A CHESTER city centre business has said it will continue to require its customers to wear face masks after the Government Covid regulations are relaxed on Monday.

The Government is changing the legislation on face coverings on Monday, July 19, so they will no longer be legally required, but Health Secretary Sajid David said they would still be "expected and recommended" in crowded indoor areas.

Following the Government's announcement, the owner of one city centre business, which provides services requiring close contact, has said mask usage will continue within her premises.

Laura Heywood, owner of The Scented Garden Retreat on Northgate Street Row, said the decision "hasn't been made lightly", but felt that due to the nature of the business, she felt it was "the most responsible action" she could take to protect staff, clients and business.

The Scented Garden Retreat offers a range of beauty, holistic and aromatherapy treatments.

She wrote: "Following the Government's latest announcement regarding the relaxation of restrictions from July 19, I wanted to inform our clients of the decision I have made.

"As a business owner I have to make decisions for the safety of my staff and clients. As some members of my team are still awaiting their second vaccine and we work in close contact, I have made the decision that we will not relax our current Covid protocols.

"Full PPE will still be worn by our staff and we will require our clients to wear a mask whilst you are on our premises.

"This is done with everyone's safety in mind."

Currently, more than 1,200 new cases of Covid are being confirmed in Cheshire West and Chester per week, the majority of them among younger people. About one per cent of those aged 15-24 in the borough tested positive between July 1-7, according to Government figures.

While younger people are generally more resilient to the effects of Covid, the rising infection rates led a number of hospitality businesses in Chester to close temporarily in recent weeks due to positive cases among staff and/or with those whom they had been in contact.

Since posting the statement on Twitter, Laura added: "I've been totally overwhelmed with the number of new clients who have contacted us today following our statement. Much love and thanks."