Central England Co-op has provided an update on its Covid-19 measures ahead of the planned easing of restrictions on Monday 19 July.

The society has a number of stores in the Coalville, Hugglescote and Ibstock area and a funeral business in London Road.

And, ahead of proposed changes announced by the Government from Monday, it has announced changes that colleagues, customers and members will see in stores and funeral homes as part of ongoing efforts to keep communities safe.

The new set of measures are based on feedback from colleagues and aim to provide a responsible approach for everyone.

Food stores

Screens will remain at checkouts and automatic hand sanitiser stations will also remain in place at the entrance to food stores.

However, the one-way systems currently in place will be removed

Colleagues and customers will be strongly encouraged to continue to wear face coverings when visiting stores

Free masks will still be on offer to customers at hand sanitiser stations.

Store signage will be relaunched with a new message 'stay safe and leave a space' and will advise people to continue to keep a safe distance from colleagues and customers where possible

The retailer will continue to ask customers to remove their face covering if they are wearing one when buying restricted products

Specialist cleaning products will continue to be used to regularly wipe down the countertops and chip and pin machines, ATMs, baskets and trolleys

Customers will continue to be asked to pay with card or contactless if possible

Funeral homes

Colleagues will continue to be asked to wear a face covering and keep to the two-metre distance rule whenever possible

Plastic screens will remain in limousines

Families will be respectfully asked to where face coverings when visiting funeral homes

Hand sanitiser stations will remain in place

Funeral arrangements can be made over the phone or via email, but there will also be the option to make an appointment in person

Ongoing rigorous cleaning and hygiene processes will be maintained to ensure homes are safe for everyone

Regular contact with families will take place in relation to any potential restrictions in terms of funeral services

Bretby Crematorium

Funeral numbers will be restricted to no more than 100 in the Carnarvon chapel and no more than 50 in the Anglesey

Families are asked to social distance where possible and it strongly advised that face coverings are worn indoors

There will be a gap of at least 10 minutes between services to allow for crematorium staff to ensure the chapels are ready and at their best

All these measures are subject to change at short notice if Government advice is changed.

Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-op Chief Executive, said: "Nothing is more important to us all at Central England Co-operative than the health and safety of our colleagues and customers.

"We want to say a big thank you to our customers for their understanding and helping us to keep themselves and our colleagues safe during this pandemic.

"We are confident that we have taken all the necessary precautionary steps and today we are asking our customers and members to continue to be considerate to others at this uncertain time, follow in store messaging and shop responsibly."

The retailer has also re-issued its plea for people to show 'care, compassion and respect' to its colleagues as they continue to work around the clock to serve their communities.

Craig Goldie, Loss Prevention Manager, said: "During these uncertain times we all having to adapt but one thing that remains constant for us here at Central England Co-op is our zero tolerance towards all types of crime.

"We want to send a clear message out to anyone who might consider targeting our stores at this time – it is not worth the risk and no crime will be tolerated.

"We want to reiterate our plea to treat our colleagues with care, compassion and respect as they work around the clock for our communities. We want people to think long and hard about the person wearing our uniform – they will be someone's mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter, grandma or grandfather.

"We want people to ask themselves whether they would like their relatives to be confronted by someone in a violent or aggressive way – the answer is no and therefore why should our colleagues or anyone who works in retail have to even consider facing up to this kind of behaviour."