Non-essential shops will be allowed to reopen in Leicester from tomorrow - but shoppers are being urged by police to "take a common sense approach".
Local lockdown rules have meant that non-essential shops have been closed since the restrictions were announced on June 29.
But Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced restrictions in some county areas could be lifted, adding that non-essential retail could reopen from Friday July 24.
This will be subject to targeted measures and Covid secure guidance.
And people are being advised not to travel solely for non-essential shopping.
LeicestershireLive readers have accused the Government of giving out mixed messages when it comes to retailers being able to open back up at the weekend.
Travel rules - permitting only essential journeys into, out of and within the city - remain in place, leading lots of people to be confused about who can actually go to the shops.
When asked to clarify, a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson said: “The guidance remains to stay at home as far as possible, to help further bring down the high infection rates in Leicester.
“As the situation has improved, some non-essential retailers are allowed to choose to open for business, subject to targeted measures and Covid secure guidance.
“Our guidance means people should not travel solely for non-essential shopping.”
When asked how Leicestershire Police will enforce the new guidance, a spokesperson said: “We continue to encourage all residents within the protected area to follow the Health Protection Regulations.
“If you are in the protected area, you should only travel if essential, you wash your hands regularly, maintain two metres social distance from others and get tested if you do have any symptoms.
“We are asking the public to take a common sense approach.
“As we have previously said, this is about our lives and our livelihoods and we all need to continue working together in order to stay safe together.
“Our officers will continue to be in the area to engage, explain and encourage in relation to the regulations, only taking enforcement action if necessary.”
Friday is also when wearing a mask or face-covering in shops and supermarkets will become mandatory.
Shoppers will have to wear a mask or face-covering before they enter a shop, and refusal means police have the power to issue a fine of £100 - halved to £50 if it is paid within 14 days.
