Christmas shoppers told to go alone to stop spread of coronavirus

SHOPPERS have been told to do their Christmas shopping by themselves this year to keep people safe.

Freshney Place and North East Lincolnshire Council have issued statements reminding shoppers that they should not mix with their Christmas bubbles to buy their gifts.

The shopping centre is seeing large numbers of people come out this December to buy their Christmas presents.

This is likely due to shops being closed throughout November for the second national lockdown, meaning anyone wanting to buy their gifts in person would have to wait until the shops reopened this month.

With the area just getting over the second wave of the coronavirus, Public Health officials are concerned that the virus will spread again if people mingle while doing their Christmas shopping. Stephen Pintus, Director of Public Health for North East Lincolnshire said: “It’s really important that everyone sticks to the Government guidelines covering shopping. “Christmas bubbles are there to allow families to mix in small

groups in homes or outdoors. “The more that people mix and mingle with others, the more likely it is that the virus will spread again, and we will remain in high restrictions.

“If anyone shows any symptoms, they must self-isolate, not go out, and get a test as soon as they can.” Amanda Austin, centre director said: “With people shopping for Christmas and the seasonal sales we are experiencing high footfall which we had anticipated.

“Whilst we have Covid safe measures in place, it is important people understand that even if they are in a ‘Christmas bubble’ they cannot shop together. “Freshney Place is an indoor venue and therefore people must continue to shop alone and utilise the quieter times such as late afternoon.”