Shop openings welcomed says Jim Shannon.
Strangford MP Jim Shannon has welcomed the announcement of more shops to open, but has urged people to keep their social distances.
He said: “It is great news that we are to see a new tranche of openings, but people must be clear on the fact that it is not a return to normal – it is a new normal, one where you are aware of how close you are to people, where you understand you will most likely need to queue for a small amount of time before you can get in to a shop and where you are aware of your hand sanitising at all times.
“I have been impressed with the resourcefulness of shops opening with Perspex in place to protect staff and customers, with 2m sections taped off in shops and with shop workers having alarms to take off their gloves, wash their hands and put on new gloves.
“If we are all careful and follow advice, it will enable more shops to open. We need to continue to protect our elderly and our shielded and do the best we can to keep the number low.
“Please respect the rules put in place – even if you do not fully agree and together we may see Newtownards High Street, Comber, Saintfield, Ballynahinch and other main streets safely hiving with customers and pedestrians once again.”
