The UK’s prime minister Boris Johnson has now announced non-essential retail shops will be allowed to open from June 15th.
The prime minister made the announcement during the government’s daily briefing this evening (May 25).
Boris Johnson said indoor shops and department stores will be allowed to open on June 15th given that they are “COVID secure”.
He added that the government will publish guidance to the retail sector which will detail “measures they should take to meet the 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,” Boris Johnson said.
The opening of shops will follow the re-opening of schools, outdoor markets and car showrooms on June 1st – marking the government’s next step in easing lockdown in the UK.