10/06/2020
Non-essential retail shops to reopen in England from 15 June
Subject: Coronavirus emergency
Source: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
All ‘non-essential’ retail shops will be allowed to reopen in England from Monday 15 June, provided they follow official COVID-19 secure guidance on the health and safety of staff and customers. Operators of shops are encouraged to display the notice informing customers and staff they have followed the ‘Five Steps To Safer Working Together’ guidance.
Retail shops permitted to open will include department stores, book shops, electronics retailers, tailors, auction houses, photography studios, indoor markets, and shops selling clothes, shoes and toys, will be allowed to open their doors again provided they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines set out by the government in May.
Guidance has been issued requiring retailers 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 such as sofas which may be touched by passing shoppers, and frequently checking and cleaning objects and surfaces.
The regulations have also been changed to allow close family, members of the same
household and friends to gather to visit people near end of life in all settings, to visit
an inpatient in hospital, hospice or resident of a care home and support someone
attending a medical appointment. In addition, a women’s birth partner may attend hospital or someone’s home to support her for the birth. This represents an exception to restrictions on indoor gatherings.
The regulations in relation to gatherings and overnight stays away from home are
amended to allow those who have formed linked households to gather together
indoors and to stay at each others’ homes. “Linked households” or “bubbles” may be
formed between a household which has only one adult member and one other
household (of any number of members) where all adults in both households agree.
Places of worship in England permitted to reopen for individual prayer
Source: GOV.UK: Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
Places of worship across England will be permitted to reopen for individual prayer from Monday 15 June 2020.