New campaign calls on Queensgate shoppers to cover up

The new campaign has been prompted by growing concern at the number of customers not wearing face coverings as they walk though the shopping centre.

The initiative will be driven reminders from staff, new signs and regular announcements over the centre’s tannoy system.

It comes after a new ruling by the Government made it illegal for people not to wear a face covering inside all shopping centres.

And in a bid to reinforce the message, organisations, businesses, charities, bloggers and influencers within Peterborough are being encouraged to share a photo of themselves on social media wearing a face covering and asking people to ‘Cover Up’ using the hashtag #CoverUpPeterborough.

The ‘Cover Up’ campaign has been backed by the Peterborough’s health chief and comes shortly after the city was removed from the Government’s coronavirus watchlist of areas of concern.

Mark Broadhead, centre director, said: “For our visitors own health and safety, we are asking for face coverings to be worn at all times in Queensgate.

“We’ve witnessed some people leaving a store and removing their mask once on the mall, so in line with government guidelines we are reminding people to keep on your ‘CoverUp.”

He said that from 24 July, it was made mandatory by the Government to wear a face covering when inside a shopping centre to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

And while there are exemptions related to age, health or disability, the rule applies to all visitors whilst inside the retailers and while on the mall.

Mr Broadhead added: “Face covering applies to everyone visiting Queensgate and is in place to protect visitors and to stop the virus from being spread.

“We have launched our Cover Up campaign to educate people, remind shoppers and reassure people that we’re doing everything we can to ensure their safety when visiting.”

Mr Broadhead said the centre had also installed additional signage on all entrances and exits and throughout the mall and there would be increased tannoy messaging throughout each day.

In addition, staff will be reminding people to ‘Cover Up’ and all retailers have been briefed to remind their customers.

Dr Liz Robin, Director of Public Health for Peterborough City Council, said: “We are keen to remind people that Coronavirus hasn’t gone away and we urge people to ensure they are wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing, and regularly cleaning their hands whilst in shopping centres.

“We fully support this campaign.

“By shopping safely we can continue to fight the virus while also helping the local economy to continue to recover.”

To find out more about how Queensgate is keeping its shoppers safe at www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk