Kick-starting the economy in three Steps
Prime Minister of UK, Mr. Boris Johnson recently said non-essential retailers could reopen from June 1 if continued social distancing measures ensure infection rates remain low. Recently, he revealed a “first sketch of a road map for reopening society.” He said UK will remain in lockdown, but a three step plan will be implemented to kick start the economy.
As part of the first step, those who can’t work from home are now being encouraged to go to work, such as those working in construction and manufacturing. The second step will see retailers start to reopen, no earlier than 1 June as long as the scientific data confirms coronavirus cases do not begin to rise again. Step three will impact hospitality industry, with hopes of restaurants to begin to reopening from July.
New Coronavirus Alert Level
The Prime Minister also introduced a new coronavirus alert level to rank danger posed by COVID-19. Ranging from level one (no risk) to level five (significant risk), he said England has been and is currently at stage four moving stage three. A total of 31587 people have lost their lives to coronavirus in UK till date. According to speculations, the garden centres will be allowed to reopen this week, as long as they ensure social distancing measures are in place for shoppers.
Meanwhile, cafes and playgrounds on any sites will have to remain closed. This is expected to be confirmed by the government. It has been seven weeks since the government has put the UK into lockdown in order to contain the spread of coronavirus and protect the NHS. During the lockdown, all non-essential stores were forced to close, while the grocery stores as well as pharmacies and funeral homes remained open. The non-essential retailers will welcome the news that they can soon reopen, however, it will be yet to be seen how quickly the public goes back to shopping on the high street.
