Prime Minister Announces All Non-Essential Retail Outlets Can Reopen From 15 June
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Boris Johnson has outlined plans for the UK as the country moves towards stage two of the coronavirus lockdown.
The Prime Minister explained that as of 1 June, outdoor markets and car showrooms can start to open their doors as long as they are 'Covid-secure'.
Mr Johnson explained that those places are 'generally easier to apply social distancing'.
He then went on to explain that all non-essential retailers will be able to follow from 15 June.
He outlined that this includes 'all other non-essential retail, ranging from dept stores to small independent shops'.
As of 9am 25 May, there have been 3,532,634 tests, with 73,726 tests on 24 May.
- Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) May 25, 2020
261,184 people have tested positive.
As of 5pm on 24 May, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 36,914 have sadly died. pic.twitter.com/bJkiz9XqrT
The 55-year-old explained in today's media briefing: "I can with confidence put the British people on notice of the changes we intend to introduce as we move into step two. I think it's important to give that notice so that people have time to adjust and get ready before those changes come into effect."
He went on: "Today I want to give the retail sector notice of our intentions to reopen shops so they too can get ready.
"It is our intention to allow outdoor markets to reopen from 1 June subject to all premises being made Covid secure, as well as car showrooms - which often have significant outdoor space and where it is generally easier to apply social distancing.
"We know that the transmission of the virus is lower outdoors and that it is easier to follow Covid secure guidelines in open spaces.
"That means we can also allow outdoor markets to reopen in a safe way that does not risk causing a second wave of the virus."
"Then from 15 June we intend to allow all other non-essential retail - ranging from department stores to small independent shops - to reopen. Again this change will be contingent upon progress against the five tests and will only be permitted for those retail premises which are Covid secure.
"Today we are publishing new guidance for the retail sector, detailing the measures they should take to meet necessary social distancing and hygiene standards.
"Shops now have the time to implement this guidance before they reopen, this will ensure there can be no doubt about what steps they should take."
