The extremely popular bakery chain, Greggs has now taken a u-turn on its decision to reopen stores next week over fears it could lead to large crowds amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier this week, Greggs stated that it had initially planned to reopen twenty shops in the Newcastle area from next Monday in a trial to see if it can operate effectively with social distancing measures in place.
Greggs also said it would now initially operate these trials behind closed doors in order to effectively test its new operational safety measures, and it would invite walk-in customers into shops only when it feels confident in doing so.
The final phase of its initial plan was to open all shops with new operational measures in place by July 1, which is when the government’s job retention furlough scheme is due to expire. Because it sells food, Greggs is considered an ‘essential’ retailer and is able to remain open during the lockdown.
