Bluewater's one-way system and cap on visitors is to be scrapped but mask wearing advice will remain, it has confirmed.

The large retail complex in Greenhithe is set to relax a number of Covid-19 restrictions on Monday as England ushers in so-called 'Freedom Day'.

From July 19, almost all of the remaining legal restrictions on social contact are set to be lifted as part of the final stage of the government's roadmap.

It means there will be no limits on how many people can meet and the 1m-plus rule will be removed.

But the Prime Minister's plans to drop measures aimed at mitigating the spread of the disease has drawn criticism from public health officials who warn hospitalisations could creep into "scary" numbers amid a steep rise in Covid-19 infections.

Many businesses have long called for the total ending of restrictions as they seek to recoup lost trade and custom.

Meanwhile, Bluewater says it has adopted an "outlook of positivity" mixed with caution to ensure the safety of its customers remains its highest priority.

It has announced that while a relaxation of its rules will see the removal of the current one-way system and capacity levels scapped, other protections will remain.

This includes advice on the wearing of the masks which is no longer required by law.

However, the centre says it expects customers to continue to don a face covering when visiting, unless they are exempt.

It adds that staff will also be wearing masks to protect those around them.

A spokesman for Bluewater said: “With the relaxation of restrictions from 19 July, the health and wellbeing of everyone that visits Bluewater remains our highest priority and for that reason we will be keeping in place the additional cleaning regimes we’ve had throughout the pandemic and hand sanitiser will continue to be available.

“There will however be some changes that guests will see. These changes include the removal of the current one-way system and returning capacity levels to what they were pre-Covid.

“From the 19th July, it is expected that anyone visiting Bluewater will wear a mask, unless they are exempt, and our teams will also continue to wear masks to protect those around them.

"We ask that anyone visiting Bluewater treats fellow guests and staff with respect and gives each other a little bit of extra space as we get used to this more relaxed approach.

“Although ‘Freedom Day’ is not a time for celebration – this has been an incredibly difficult time for many people – our outlook is one of positivity and excitement as we welcome back guests into a safe, fully reopen retail and leisure experience.”

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