Meadowhall addresses social distancing fears as video shows centre crammed with shoppers

Meadowhall have reassured shoppers that safety ‘is number one priority’ after concerns were raised that the shopping centre becoming a ‘breeding ground’ for coronavirus.
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The Star was contacted by a regular Meadowhall customer, who wished to remain anonymous, who claims they frequently see a lack of social distancing at the Sheffield centre, along with groups breaking lockdown regulations.

"Meadowhall is a good place to see people break the rule of six as well as the now mandatory need to wear a face covering,” they said.

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"To top it off, security ignore people who are walking the wrong way.

"The cleaning staff can be seen working hard to keep the centre sanitised, but when it’s past it’s capacity it’s all for nothing and they’re possibly being overworked.”

A shopper named AJ White also tweeted after a visit to Meadowhall: “The amount of shoppers you let in today was absolutely ridiculous.

"Sheffield has extra support because of Covid-19, yet you allowed people in, queues for shop down the lanes and shut the Oasis, disgraceful. Zero social distancing.”

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But a spokesperson for Meadowhall insisted that safety for customers and staff was ‘number one priority’ for centre bosses.

(Photo on right for illustrative purposed by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)(Photo on right for illustrative purposed by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo on right for illustrative purposed by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)
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“We have robust systems in place to carefully monitor visitor numbers so we can be confident that everyone can maintain social distancing while with us,” the spokesperson said.

"If we reach capacity, our team will ask shoppers to queue in a designated area outside the centre, and we may temporarily close our car parks if required.

“We also have keep left systems throughout the centre, and our stores use a red and green indicator system to show if visitors are able to safely enter.

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“We are very actively promoting social distancing and the legal requirement to wear face coverings with prominent signage and regular public address announcements. Our customer service and security teams are also on hand to support.”

Greg Fell, Sheffield Council’s director of public health, said earlier this week it was a ‘matter of when, not if’ local restrictions are imposed, with an announcement possible before the week is out.

Mr Fell has now urged people across the city to ‘act responsibly’ and be prepared for the need to self-isolate if necessary.

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