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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Alasdair Clark

Edinburgh shops can reopen from 29 June under new coronavirus lockdown rules

Non-essential shops will be able to open up again from 29 June under the news lockdown rules announced by Nicola Sturgeon today.

From the smaller, independent shops across Edinburgh it will doubtless come as a huge relief to be able to welcome customers back.

However, only those with outdoor exits and entrances will be able to reopen, meaning shopping centres like the Waverley Mall will still have to remain closed.

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Nicola Sturgeon said: “Non-essential retail is a vital part of our economy and we want to support it to get back to work quickly and safely.

"We said we would try to open them by phase two and we will but by waiting a bit longer, until midway through, we can go further - but still with limitations.

“Retail shops of all sizes can reopen by this date but only if they have outdoor entrances and exits. I’m afraid indoor shopping centres will remain closed except for essential shops like supermarkets.”

Outdoor markets, playgrounds and a number of various workplaces will also be able to open alongside shops on June 29.

Before this data, Nicola Sturgeon said local authorities and shops should work to ensure "responsible" us of public space.

Speaking directly to customers, Ms Sturgeon asked that everyone “exercise patience, stick to the measures that are in place for your safety, and at all times please respect retail staff who will be asking you to shop in a different way.”

Nicola Sturgeon also announced a change of the government's public health messaging from “Stay home, protect the NHS and save lives”; to “Stay safe, protect others and save lives”.

You can read a full liveblog of today's briefing here.

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