Non-essential retail shops in England, including high street travel agencies, have been given the green light to open from June 15.
Boris Johnson made the announcement in the government’s daily coronavirus briefing on Sunday evening.
The prime minister said the move is “contingent on progress in the fight against coronavirus”, and that retailers will have to adhere to new guidelines the government would publish to protect shoppers and workers.
Retail premises are expected to put in social distancing measures similar to those used in essential retail outlets such as supermarkets during the pandemic, including plastic screens and asking customers to queue two metres apart.
More:High street retailers call for more clarity before reopening
Retailers ‘must adapt to new ways of working’
Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from June 1.
Johnson said new guidance was due to be published for the retail sector which would show the 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,” he said. “This will ensure there can be no doubt about what steps they should take.”
He added: “I want people to be confident that they can shop safely, provided they follow the social distancing rules for all premises.”
