FESTIVAL Place say they will to continue to advise customers to wear a mask despite restrictions easing on July 19.

All laws surrounding face coverings and social distancing will end on Monday as part of step four of the government's roadmap out of lockdown.

But the shopping centre say say there is an ‘expectation’ that face coverings should be worn inside Festival Place as the health and safety of visitors, staff and retailers remains a “priority”.

A spokesperson for Festival Place told the Gazette: “As we look forward to the further easing of restrictions on July 19, we want to reiterate government advice which is the ‘expectation’ and ‘recommendation’ that face coverings be worn indoors, especially in crowded areas.

“The health and safety of our visitors, staff and retailers remain our priority and while there is no legal requirement to wear face coverings indoors from the 19th July, we understand that many people will still feel more comfortable wearing them.

“Therefore, if they are able to do so we would recommend that our visitors continue to wear face coverings when inside Festival Place.

“Some of our retailers may also wish to ask their customers to wear a face covering while in their stores and that remains their decision.”

Concerns have been raised about the dropping of all restrictions whilst Covid cases continue to rise.

Paddy Lillis, the general secretary of the shop union Usdaw, said: “We are very disappointed that the Government has not consulted broadly with unions and employers on this guidance.

“So what they have now published, just a few days before it comes into force, provides no assurances for staff or employers. It is a real mess.

“Protection for retail workers through wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing in busy public areas like shops should be backed up by the law.”

Doctors’ have also condemned Boris Johnson’s “irresponsible” decision to press ahead with lockdown lifting in England despite Covid-19 infections continuing to surge.

The British Medical Association (BMA) warned of “potentially devastating consequences” after the Prime Minister confirmed on Monday that most mandatory restrictions will end next week.

At a Downing Street news conference, Mr Johnson acknowledged the pandemic “is not over” and appealed to people to proceed with caution.