By The stores that are now allowed to reopen again
Some major retailers have begun to open their doors to customers again, having received updated Government guidance on which stores are allowed to reopen under current Covid-19 legislation, and which are not.
More stores are now beginning to reopen, following the introduction of softened lockdown restrictions.
When the lockdown began in March, only shops considered essential were allowed to remain open including supermarkets, hardware stores, pharmacists and takeaway food services.
The list of what was deemed essential gradually expanded.
Now, stores selling homeware such as Matalan and Dunelm are also allowed to reopen. Many such stores were already offering a click and collect service, but are now allowed to open fully if they introduce social distancing measures.
A statement issued by retailer Matalan reads:
“Following our decision to close our stores almost eight weeks ago we’ve been working tirelessly on preparing our stores for reopening with enhanced health and safety measures and strict social distancing guidelines to ensure we offer the safest shopping environment for you.
“Given the change in government guidance on 1st May to include homeware as essential retail in England, we are now pleased to inform you that we are starting to reopen selected stores.”
All supermarkets, all private physical and mental health services, bicycle shops, garden and home stores are now also allowed to open.
Ministers are now legally obliged to review lockdown measures every three weeks.
Hairdressers, barbers and salons are being instructed to remain closed, they are not expected to reopen until at least July.
Clothing stores have also been deemed inessential.
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