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Retail Update - from the 05/04/2021 lockdown restrictions on the retail sections are to be eased

As announced by the First Minister, from the 5th of April 2021, lockdown restrictions on the retail sections are to be eased.


Businesses preparing to re-open should ensure that a ‘suitable and sufficient’ risk assessment has been undertaken to identify control measures to be implemented within your business to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. A link to the HSE’s Covid-19 risk assessment template can be found here - https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/risk-assessment.htm


It is recommended all businesses are familiar with the Health Protection Scotland guidance for non-healthcare settings as well as the relevant sector specific guidance from the Scottish Government. 

5th April 2021


The following retail establishments are permitted to re-open as of the 5th of April, subject to Covid-19 controls being implemented within the business.

  • Garden Centres

  • Hairdressers & Barbers (appointments only) (mobile operators are not permitted to reopen)

  • Key cutting shops

  • Mobility equipment shops

  • Baby equipment shops

  • Homeware shops

  • Vehicle showrooms (appointment only) and forecourts

At this time, all other retailers must remain closed to the public. Mobile Hairdressers and Barbers are not permitted to trade at this time.


The following list of control measures is not exhaustive, however, the following should be considered within retail premises

  • maintain good ventilation.

  • reducing touch points – doors open where possible

  • enhanced cleaning of common touch surfaces – card machines, door handles

  • use of screens at till areas to be used in addition to face coverings

  • provision of hand sanitiser

  • Remind customers of physical distancing i.e., Tanoy announcements or signage.

  • encouraging use of contactless payment rather than cash

  • legal requirement to wear a face covering (unless exempt)

  • maintaining physical distancing of 2 metres both inside and outside of the premises

  • floor markers

  • maximum capacity of the retail premises

  • utilising a ‘one way system’

  • staggered start/finish times and break times of staff members


For further advice, please refer to the Scottish Governments Retail sector guidance - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-retail-sector-guidance/pages/close-contact-services/


Please email psmg@aberdeenshire.gov.uk for further information.

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