Coronavirus: UK government reveals list of stores set to reopen on 15 June
The UK government has released its list of retailers that will be able to reopen from 15 June as long as they can meet new coronavirus guidelines to protect shoppers and staff.
“Non-essential” retailers including fashion stores, betting shops and charity shops will be allowed to open their doors after being closed since March as part of the nationwide coronavirus lockdown.
Gift shops and retail spaces in museums, theatres, libraries, heritage sites and tourism spots will also be given the green light to open — opening the way for visitors to return to tourist hotspots.
Garden centres and estate agents were both given the go-ahead to reopen last week.
Prime minister Boris Johnson said outdoor markets and car showrooms would be able to open from 1 June if they are safe to do so, noting that the risk of transmission is lower in outdoor areas, where social distancing can be easier to enforce.
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Johnson said: “We will set out our formal assessment of the five tests that we set for adjusting the lockdown later this week as part of the three-weekly review we are legally required to undertake by Thursday.
“But because of the progress we are making I can, with confidence, put the British people on notice of the changes we intend to introduce as we move to step two.”
Before reopening, bosses must consider who is essential to be at work, plan for the minimum number of people needed on the premises and maintain the mental and physical wellbeing of employees.
The prime minister urged people to visit shops to help the economy recover from the impact of the coronavirus.
He said: “I’m certainly not going to discourage them from spending at all.
“I think that it’s early days but we are very much hoping there will be a bounce back over the next few months.”
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Stores that can be open from 15 June:
Food retailers
Chemists
Hardware/homeware stores
Fashion shops
Charity shops
Betting shops and arcades
Tailors, dress fitters and fashion designers
Car dealerships
Auction houses
Antique shops
Retail art galleries
Photography studios
Gift shops and retail spaces in theatres, museums, libraries, heritage sites and tourism sites
Mobile phone stores
Indoor and outdoor markets
Craft fairs
Similar types of retail
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