From today, shops will be able to reopen their doors in the next step in our careful easing of lockdown – provided they are meeting robust safety guidelines, so we can keep staff and customers safe as we get our economy moving again.
This has been the most challenging period for shops and high streets in our history – we know the toll the last few months have taken on them, and we have been working with businesses, business representative groups and trades unions on guidance to enable them to reopen as safely as possible. That is why all non-essential shops, department stores and shopping centres will be able to reopen, provided they are meeting the Covid Secure guidelines and have put in place all the necessary steps to keep their workers and customers safe.
Whenever you can please show your support for our local shopkeepers. This will help to restart our economy and allow high streets across the country to spring back to life – whilst ensuring we keep the risk of infection down to avoid the possibility of a second wave.