Coronavirus: Worcester cafe preparing to reopen by using shower curtain dividers
The cafe wants to inspire other places to do the same in an attempt to boost customers' confidence after the lockdown.
Thursday 21 May 2020 19:22, UK
A cafe in Worcestershire is preparing to reopen its doors by hanging up clear shower curtains around the shop - in an attempt to make people feel safe.
Francini Cafe De Colombia in Worcester has come up with the novel way of trying to protect customers from coronavirus in the hope it will inspire other businesses to safely reopen when the time comes.
The cafe's owner, Francini Osorio, has also installed an air purifier at his venue to filter the air for customers, who may be fearful of catching COVID-19, but still fancy a coffee.
He has used more than 30 of the plastic screenings in his restaurant, which will be sprayed with disinfectant, and will introduce a more rigorous cleaning policy when he is allowed to open his doors.
"The idea is to keep people together but separated by the curtain.
"If this has inspired people, that's brilliant."
Non-essential businesses have been closed since 24 March, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson placed the country on lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Coffee shops and restaurants are beginning to adapt to the new social-distancing measures to instil confidence in customers, while trying to stay in business.
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Mr Osorio, who is originally from Colombia, said: "Where I come from we don't sink, we stand up and we keep going."
He is also encouraging customers to bring their own masks to his shop, while offering free gloves to diners.