Live updates – Sandwell enters local lockdown as borough hit by restrictions

Shoppers and businesses urged to take safety seriously

Police, council bosses and public health chiefs have been out in force encouraging shoppers to wear masks.

Businesses have also been asked to display posters to show customers they are taking safety seriously.

You can see what shoppers at Smethwick’s Windmill Centre had to say in the video below.

Councillor Maria Crompton, Sandwell’s deputy leader, said: “We should all know by now what we are meant to do – to maintain good hand hygiene and social distancing and when we need to wear face coverings – and we want our local businesses to be reinforcing those things too.

“Put up the poster to show customers you’re taking responsibility and that they are safe in your space.”

Dr Adrian Philips from Public Health England West Midlands, added: “Everyone has an individual responsibility to protect themselves and the wider community from catching and spreading Covid-19 and it is now law that people must wear face coverings in enclosed public places – including shops.

“I hope this will encourage retailers to do everything they can to promote a Covid-secure environment to protect their customers and staff.”