The Prime Minister has announced that all shops will be allowed to reopen again from the middle of next month.
In Monday's Downing Street briefing, Boris Johnson set out his plans to reopen businesses including department stores and independent shops from June 15.
In addition, outdoor markets and car showrooms will be allowed to reopen from next Monday, June 1, provided they can do so safely.
He explained that this was because transmission of the coronavirus is lower outdoors and social distancing is easier in open spaces.
Businesses will have to meet Covid-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers to be allowed to reopen, the PM said.
Mr Johnson said: “We will set out our formal assessment of the five tests that we set for adjusting the lockdown later this week as part of the three-weekly review we are legally required to undertake by Thursday.
“But because of the progress we are making I can, with confidence, put the British people on notice of the changes we intend to introduce as we move to step two.”
The Prime Minister said new guidance was being published for the retail sector “detailing the measures they should take to meet the necessary social distancing and hygiene standards”.
He added: "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.”
He said the authorities would “have the powers we need to enforce compliance where that is required”.
“I want people to be confident that they can shop safely provided they follow the social distancing rules for all premises,” he added.
A number of other businesses, including pubs and restaurants, which have been closed since March, must remain closed for the time being. The Prime Minister previously said they would not reopen until July 4 at the earliest.
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