After nine weeks of lockdown, high street shops have been given the go ahead to start reopening from next week by Boris Johnson, as he tries to ease lockdown restrictions amid a huge public row over his top adviser.
The prime minister said outdoor markets and showrooms will be able to start trading again in England from 1 June – so long as they keep customers safe.
Other non-essential retailers – including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets – can follow suit two weeks later, from 15 June.
Employers will face “spot checks” to make sure they are implementing social distancing, and have been told they must complete a risk assessment after consultation with trade unions and workers.
Firms have been told to consider a number of measures to reassure customers and staff, including:
- Placing a poster in their windows to demonstrate awareness of the guidance
- Storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back out on the shop floor
- Placing protective coverings on large items touched by the public such as beds or sofas
- Frequently cleaning objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, including self-checkouts, trolleys, coffee machines and betting terminals
Mr Johnson announced the next steps in his plan to “unlock the lockdown” at Monday’s Downing Street news briefing, nine weeks since the strict “stay at home” measures began.
He said it was “absolute folly” for any government to say “it hasn’t learnt anything as it goes along”.
Source: Sky News