Shops and other businesses in Southport and Formby are making a much-anticipated comeback.
Boris Johnson tonight announced that thousands of UK businesses will be allowed to reopen soon.
This time next week, on Monday, June 1, car showrooms and outdoor markets will be allowed to welcome back customers, as long as they adhere to strict social distancing guidelines.
The Prime Minister also gave good news to retail by giving the green light for ‘non-essential’ shops, including department stores and independent businesses, to start trading again from Monday, June 15.
Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing this evening he said: “
Hundreds of businesses in Southport were ordered to close in March the coronavirus outbreak escalated.
The reopening may spark a sales frenzy as shops try to emerge from the pandemic-induced wreckage of the economy, while consumers will be glad to leave the house.
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But because of movement restrictions it is unlikely to be an immediate free-for-all – and hospitality businesses like pubs and restaurants will remain closed.
All shops wanting to reopen will have to follow new guidance, set to be released today, with Mr Johnson warning that the government will have powers to enforce the new rules if necessary.
And the director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, Adam Marshall, tonight said: ‘Businesses will be taking a safe, proportionate and risk-based approach to returning to work, in close consultation with their staff.
‘For many this will be an entirely new way of operating as they apply guidance to the practical realities of their business.’
Speaking at the conference tonight, Mr Johnson said: “Today I want to put the retail sector on notice of our intention to reopen shops so they can get ready to reopen.
“So I can announce that it is our intention to allow outdoor markets to reopen on June 1, subject to premises being Covid secure, as well as car showrooms which often have sufficient outdoor space.
“From June 15 we intend to allow all other non-essential retail, ranging from department stores to small independent shops to reopen.
“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.
“We know that the transmission of the virus is lower outdoors and that it is easier to follow Covid secure guidelines in open spaces.”
Mr Johnson added that the government will today publish 50 pages of social distancing guidelines to help shops become ‘Covid secure’ before reopening.
He said: “This will ensure there can be no doubt about what steps should be taken.
“We will of course have powers to enforce these conditions, where it is required.”
Andrew Goodacre, CEO, British Independent Retailers Association, said: “Bira is pleased with the guidance being given to retail outlets.
“It provides a broad framework for the basic measures and still allows the retailer to be flexible according to the size, layout and location of the shop.
“This guidance will ensure that independent retailers provide safe environments for employees and customers.”
Read More: Advice on retail premises reopening
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