Non-essential Stores to be reopened on 15th June in UK
The United Kingdom government has set June 15 to reopen all non-essential retail stores within a COVID-19 compliant setting as the lockdown to control coronavirus spread is eased in stages.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed the timeline at Monday night’s Downing Street daily press conference, stressing that the change remained based on continued progress in holding the mortal virus infection rate down and retailers adhering to new guidelines for protecting shoppers and staff.
Some retail easing will begin with primary school openings scheduled for June 1, with outdoor markets and car showrooms among those allowed to become functional from next week. PM also told about the process of reviving the retail sector after 15th June.
New guidance for the retail sector will be issued to shops to put plans in place in time for mid-June opening, detailing the measures required to meet the social distancing and hygiene standards necessary.
Johnson assured the public about the safety of all and the retail outlets. Accountability action would be taken against any merchants not ensuring their premises a COVID-secure social distance-including fines and even sentences of up to two years in jail.
“These are careful but deliberate steps on the road to rebuilding our country,” the UK Prime Minister said, adding that by June 1, around 25,000 contact tracers will be in place to keep track of the infection rate to help open the economy.
The announcement is an effective notice to get retail sector ready to reopen its operations in a secure environment. It will include shops selling clothes, shoes, toys , furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photo studios, and indoor markets.
Shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies, deemed essential, have been trading all over the pandemic already. The government said businesses should only be allowed to open after they have completed a risk assessment, in consultation with members of labour unions or employees, and are sure they can handle the risks.