Nearly 75% still worry about shops with no Covid-19 measures, says survey

A survey of 5,000 UK adults by facilities management company Mitie found two-thirds (67%) would look more favourably on businesses if they can show they are taking the virus seriously and are Covid-secure.

More than half (53%) will only go into shops that have visible anti-Covid measures.

Ensuring a regular flow of clean air was high priority for more than half of adults (54%).

Similarly, 28% would like technology that reduces viruses from the air, such as ultraviolet light, to be in place.

More than half of those polled (54%) want to see an increased cleaning regime in place, while exactly 50% would like to see hand sanitiser available for them in stores.

On the high street, 52% want social distancing to continue, while 45% still like the idea of mask-wearing being compulsory in shops.

A fifth of UK adults (22%) said they would spend about half an hour longer in a store if they could see anti-Covid measures such as increased cleaning and visible air ventilation were in place.

Daniel Guest, chief operating officer, Mitie Technical Services, said: “While the nation’s Covid restrictions are no longer in place, it is clear there remains concern from the public that shops, cafés and other retail premises are safe spaces to visit.

“By investing in measures like increased cleaning regimes and technology like UV light that can help kill viruses in the air, retail and hospitality businesses can keep their customers safe, prevent the spread of the virus and give consumers confidence to spend time on the high street.”

The study also found 36% of respondents want to see an increase in touch-point cleaning when they are inside a shop or café.

And a quarter want shops to go as far has having temperature checks for everyone who uses the building.

Half (49%) of those who took part in the survey think shops could be doing more to show they are Covid-secure.

More than half (54%) even said they will choose to spend their money with businesses that can show they are putting Covid safety measures in place.