Alok Sharma also says the two-metre rule on social distancing is “under review” – but would only be cut “when it is safe to do so”.
Shops can reopen on Monday as the government continues to ease the coronavirus lockdown, business secretary Alok Sharma has said.
But the minister did not announce any relaxation of the two-metre social distancing rule, meaning many stores will struggle to open their doors and be deemed “Covid-secure”.
Repeatedly asked whether the regulation could instead be set at one metre, Sharma replied only that this remained “under review”.
The World Health Organisation, and many European countries, have set social distancing at one metre and Boris Johnson’s government is under pressure to follow suit.
Pressed about the regulation, Sharma said the two-metre rule would only only be cut to one “when it is safe to do”.
Sharma stressed that retail businesses could reopen their doors on Monday – provided they can follow current social distancing guidelines. If they do not, they will face government enforcement measures, he added.
Hairdressers, nail salons, pubs and restaurants do not form part of the plans for Monday. These businesses are expected to open on July 4 “at the earliest”, the minister said.
Confirming that non-essential shops in England will be allowed to open their doors, Sharma said: “I can confirm today that retail outlets which have been required to be closed will be able to open their doors again from Monday, June 15, so long as they comply with the Covid-secure guidelines we published on May 25.
Many firms will continue to struggle as the two metre rule will limit sales while retailers continue to face the same rent and other fixed costs.
“This is the latest step in the careful restarting of our economy and will enable high streets up and down the country to spring back to life.”
Pressed on the two-metre rule, he said: “When it is safe to do so, we will see whether you can move to a shorter distance, but ultimately we keep all of these things under review.
“There are other countries in the world that have moved from two metres to closer distances. Of course, they are further along in terms of their road map, in terms of opening up businesses.
“We are taking a cautious view on this. I completely understand why for economic reasons businesses will want to have a look at this two-metre rule.”
Speaking after the daily briefing, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said ministers must outline a support package for retail if the two-metre rule stayed in place.
She said: “Retailers who are not yet open have been working hard to install perspex screens, hygiene systems and apply social distancing measures.
“We hope the public will take the opportunity from next week to go out and support millions of stores up and down the country.
“Nonetheless, the challenge for these stores is not over.
“Many firms will continue to struggle as the two-metre rule will limit sales while retailers continue to face the same rent and other fixed costs.
“If the government is to limit retailers in this way, it must be prepared to provide an ongoing package of support to address the economic difficulties they will face.”
