Customers have been asked to follow safety advice as high streets in Barnet get back to business.

Council leader Cllr Dan Thomas urged shoppers to stay two metres apart, pay using contactless cards and only touch goods they intend to buy to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

High street shops across the UK opened their doors again on Monday (June 15) with extra safety measures in place to protect customers.

Shopkeepers have been given guidance on introducing screens, one-way systems and other safeguards – many of which are already in place at retailers that were previously allowed to stay open.

Long queues were reported outside some major retailers after they opened their doors to customers for the first time since March 23.

Council leader Cllr Dan Thomas (Conservative, Finchley Church End) said: “We are delighted that all non-essential shops have now been allowed to reopen in our high streets. Things may be a little different to how they were, but it’s great to see our town centres taking the first steps to get back to business.

“We ask that residents only touch goods if they intend to purchase them, pay through contactless card payment, and continue to obey the two-metre rule. If you have Covid-19 symptoms, please stay at home – don’t go shopping!

“We hope that residents can begin to rediscover the pleasure of shopping in our town centres as we step into this new age of retail. Please support your local high street.”

Further information for residents and businesses is available via Barnet Council’s website.