British Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled on Monday plans to ease nationwide lockdown, giving a green light to high street shops, department stores and shopping centers to reopen next month. The UK premier said that outdoor markets and car showrooms can resume operations if they are able to meet the coronavirus guidelines in order to protect shoppers and workers and all other non-essential retail from June 15 if the government's tests are met. The move comes as Britain reported 121 more coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities in the country to 36,914. Addressing a press conference, Johnson said: "Today, I want to give the retail sector notice of our intentions to reopen shops, so they too can get ready," Johnson said. "There are careful but deliberate steps on the road to rebuilding our country." Speaking on the conditions set for reopening, Johnson said new guidance has been published for the retail sector "detailing the measures they should take to meet the necessary social distancing and hygiene standards". "Shops now have the time to implement this guidance before they reopen," he said. "This will ensure there can be no doubt about what steps they should take," he added. Commenting on the development, Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: "Enabling these businesses to open will be a critical step on the road to rebuilding our economy, and will support millions of jobs across the UK." — Agencies
