Shops in England selling non-essential goods will be able to reopen from Monday (June 15), the Business Secretary confirmed yesterday. As key retailers, many pet shops have, of course, remained open throughout the lockdown period.
High street retailers and department stores, including indoor markets, will be allowed to open their doors again provided they follow the covid-19 secure guidelines set out by the Government in May.
Retailers will need to take certain steps to protect customers and staff, including limiting the number of customers allowed inside at one time, placing protective coverings on large items that may be touched by passing shoppers, and frequently checking and cleaning objects and surfaces.
Employers should also display a notice visibly in their shop windows or outside their store to show their employees, customers and other visitors that they have followed this guidance.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “Shops, department stores and shopping centres that have been closed since March will be able to reopen from Monday June 15, provided they put in place the necessary steps to keep their workers and customers safe. This is the latest step in the careful restarting of the economy and will enable high streets up and down the country to spring back to life.
“I would like to thank workers at supermarkets, pharmacies, post offices and other essential retailers who have introduced social distancing to keep the public and their staff safe. Now is the time to apply these principles to even more shops to allow workers safely back into stores and welcome back shoppers, as we look to get the economy going again.
Hairdressers, nail bars and beauty salons, and the hospitality sector remain closed, because the risk of transmission in these environments is higher where long periods of person to person contact is required.
There are eight workplace guidance documents now available under Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance on the Gov.UK website.
