Shopping in Plymouth: the new safety measures you need to know about

As shops in Plymouth begin to reopen, additional safety measures have been put in place in the city centre and around the waterfront to help keep you safe when you’re ready to visit.  We’re ready to welcome you back and want to make sure that you have a safe shopping experience.

What safety measures have been put in place?

• New signs reminding people to social distance
• Enhanced cleansing regime for the public toilets
• The street cleansing team will be paying particular attention to contact points like bins and seats
• Changes have been made to the city’s car parks
• Shops are required to carry out their own risk assessments and make changes to manage social distancing both inside and outside their premises

Are the public toilets open?

A small number of single cubicle toilets are open in order to maintain safe distancing, find out more on the Plymouth City Council website

What are the changes to parking in Plymouth?

• Plymouth’s car parks and on-street bays will become cash-free:
  • In car parks this means that payment machines will no longer accept cash and instead you will have to pay by credit or debit card
  • On-street parking will be paid for by RingGo, either via the mobile phone app, website or by phone.
• Two-metre safe distancing markers have been placed around all payment facilities
• Clear direction signs have been put up to direct you when you’re walking to and from your car in multi-storey car parks, including separate staircases designated up and down to reduce the likelihood of people getting too close
• Lifts have been signed for safe distancing with only members of the same household to share lifts at any one time        
• An enhanced cleaning regime has been introduced to car parks, with particular attention paid to areas people may touch – such as payment systems, stairwells, handrails, lift areas and doors

What can I do to help?

• If you or anyone in your household has symptoms of coronavirus, please stay at home and self-isolate
• Remember to follow the social distancing guidelines set out by the Government and try to keep two metres away from people who are not from your own household
• Wash your hands regularly, or use hand sanitiser when out and about
• If you can, wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth in situations when it's hard to stay two metres away from people, such as in shops or on public transport
• Follow social distancing and queueing instructions set out by businesses, and be mindful that you may have to wait to be allowed in to some stores to allow for a safe shopping experience.

You can find out which shops in the city centre are open on the Plymouth City Centre Company website.

The Shop 4 Plymouth website also has details of shops across Plymouth that are reopening, as well as information about delivery services that are offer if you’re unable to leave your home.