THESE images show Coventry city centre in the week that ‘non-essential’ stores were allowed to re-open post lockdown.
They reveal it is far from business as usual, with two-metre and other social distancing rules still in place.
Long queues formed outside banks and building societies in the High Street, and Primark in Broadgate.
The number of shoppers, students and city centre workers walking around – many wearing face masks – was far below pre-coronavirus levels.
Most but not all were carefully following the two-metre rule as they passed other people in the city centre on Wednesday.
Political leaders and scientists have warned of a second wave of Covid-19 if social distancing is not observed. Including restrictions on the number of people gathering in public from different households.
Pub and restaurants, including those in Cathedral Lanes in Broadgate, remain closed until July 4 at the earliest, the government has said.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a review into potentially reducing the social distancing stipulation to one metre with pubs and restaurants warning of widespread business collapses otherwise – although scientific advice is sceptical.
West Midlands Police said: “As usual, we will continue to police the retail areas of our local towns and cities to prevent crime and keep you safe but we ask you to personally take responsibility to follow the restrictions that are put in place by shops and stores.
“We will continue to work with the retail industry but we are not able to police the measures they have in place to help shoppers follow government guidelines.
“If you are travelling using public transport, please check what the arrangements are beforehand. If you are driving, check what car parks are open ahead of travelling.
“We also ask you to use common sense and discretion when you are in and around shops – observe the social distancing restrictions and continue to wash your hands and use face coverings to cover your nose and mouth − this is essential on public transport.”
