PEOPLE are being encouraged to take practical steps to enjoy a Covid-safe visit to Warrington town centre, with shops and outdoor hospitality venues reopen from today, Monday.

In line with ‘step two’ of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, outdoor hospitality, non-essential retail, leisure and sport facilities, personal care facilities and outdoors attractions will welcome visitors once more.

Warrington Borough Council is working with partners, including Cheshire Police and the Business Improvement District, to make sure shops, bars, restaurants and other businesses are able to re-open safely.

This includes making sure premises are Covid-secure, advising about outdoor space use, providing guidance on food standards and supporting staff coronavirus testing for businesses.

The council also says that everyone has an important part to play in helping businesses to reopen safely and in protecting each other.

Every resident in Warrington should get a regular symptom-free lateral flow test twice a week to ensure you are not unknowingly spreading coronavirus.

You are now able to order symptom-free tests online or to collect from a participating pharmacy or testing site at the Halliwell Jones Stadium or St Wilfrid’s Parish Centre in Grappenhall.

Warrington Guardian:

If you think you may have coronavirus, or you are displaying any symptoms, you should self-isolate immediately and book an NHS test by visiting gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119.

Please remember the basics – hands, face, space – wash or sanitise your hands often, wear a face covering and maintain social distance when you have to your leave home.

Steve Park, Warrington’s director of growth, said: “It is an exciting time as our town centre springs back to life once more, with businesses reopening safely under the roadmap out of lockdown.

“When you come into the town centre for the first time, there may be some changes all aimed at keeping residents and workers as safe as possible.

“Please also remember the basics of hands, face and space when you are out and about to ensure we can keep the number of Covid cases low in Warrington.”

If you are visiting the town centre, please follow the guidance around one-way systems, clearly designated entrances and exits, queueing and social distancing in place to keep everyone safe.

Before opening, every business will have carried out a risk assessment to ensure that they can open in a Covid-secure way.

READ> The coronavirus situation in Warrington as shops and pubs reopen

Food and drink venues will only be serving outdoors with table service in order to keep social distancing rules and to allow fresh air.

All hospitality venues will have a QR code system in place to record your name and contact details to support NHS Test and Trace.

If you are using public transport, you should follow the Government's safer travel guidance for passengers.

If you are travelling and are aged 11 and over, you need to wear a face covering unless you are not able to do so.

Taxi ranks are located at Academy Way, Barbauld Street, and Sankey Street for the night-time economy, as well as extra ranks at Cockhedge Way and Winwick Street during the day.

Taxi marshals will be available in the town centre and Stockton Heath at peak times to direct you to the new taxi ranks in the town centre. Cheshire Police will also be maintaining a presence to ensure safety.