Big changes on the cards for NI high streets as shops prepare to reopen — retail industry in talks with Executive on ‘covid ambassadors’ and other measures

Covid ‘ambassadors’ could soon be on the ground sorting out long queues outside retailers, with coronavirus hygiene ratngs on the doors of business premises.

Tomorrow, many businesses forced to close by the Stormont government are set to reopen as the partial lockdown comes to an end.

Behind-the-scenes talks have been ongoing for some time between the Executive Office at Stormont and representatives of the retail industry on what should happen when so-called ‘non-essential’ retail opens again for what is usually the busiest time of year.

Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said progress had been made both with the government at Stormont and with local councils.

“Many of the councils have stepped up and provided covid ambassadors so I would be hopeful that all 11 councils would have covid ambassadors ready for Friday,” he said.

Explaining what a covid ambassador would actually do, Mr Roberts said: “A covid ambassador is someone who is there to help and advise shoppers and, indeed, businesses on the regulations and what they are required to do.

“They may have a role in addressing problems like big queues outside retailers but I think it is there just to assure and to add that little bit of confidence to shoppers and their families that it is safe to come back into our High Streets and to complete their Christmas shopping.

“We would hope that in our major town centres and high streets that they would have very clear visibility, that they would be there to assist and encourage shoppers and businesses to ensure that they comply with the regulations.”

Covid ‘ambassadors’ have been used by, for example, Antrim and Newtownabbey council to ensure both shoppers and retailers are sticking to coronavirus restrictions.

Mr Roberts continued: “We’ve been working very much behind the scenes with the Executive ahead of Friday because it’s obviously important that the Executive, local councils and the broader business community is ready and prepared for Friday.”

Another measure that could become widespread would be the use of Covid compliance rating marks on the doors of business premises. Derry City and Strabane council became the latest to approve that idea when its business committee approved the move on Tuesday.