Covid safety event for retailers

15 December 2020

An online safety seminar is to be held this week for retailers to help protect staff, customers and businesses from COVID-19 over the festive period in Aberdeen. 

Aberdeen City Council, NHS Grampian and Police Scotland will share the latest Scottish Government guidance on keeping the coronavirus at bay – aiming to make sure Aberdeen enjoys a healthy, happy and prosperous Christmas and New Year. 

Topics will range from managing shoppers inside premises to queuing outside to advice for looking after staff through enhanced hygiene practices. The seminar will also give retailers a chance to ask questions about COVID-19 safety. 

The event will take place at 8.30am on Thursday, December 17. A link to the meeting can be found here: More details about how to join the meeting can be found here:

Anyone wishing to attend will find a link to the meeting should follow this link on Thursday morning.

The Council’s Protective Services Manager Andrew Morrison said: “Safe shopping and travel is essential to reducing the risk of infection and the spread of COVID-19 in the communities – this is a chance to learn how. 

“The only way to reverse the incidence of COVID-19 and safeguard the city’s economic buoyancy is by understanding where responsibilities lie and working together in respecting the rules.”  

NHS Grampian’s Director of Public Health Susan Webb said: “Locations continually mentioned by those positive to our Test and Protect team include workplaces, shops, and hospitality venues – including pubs and restaurants – so it is vital we all do all we can to ensure the safety of staff and customers. 

“We understand that the current climate continues to be a testing time for businesses across the region and we want to ensure we support everyone to play their part to ensure the situation does not worsen further by stopping the spread.”  

Chief Inspector David Howieson of Police Scotland, Local Area Commander for Aberdeen South, said: "We recognise the significant sacrifices people have made this year and we continue to ask people to take personal responsibility, follow the regulations, and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading. 

"As we approach Christmas, officers continue to work with our partners to help deter crime and support retail premises." 

The Scottish Government has published guidance for retailers. 

Remember the FACTS guidance: 

Face coverings in enclosed spaces Avoid crowded places Clean your hands and surfaces regularly Two-metre social distancing Self-isolate and book a test if you develop coronavirus symptoms