Shops in England to reopen on Monday – but schools to stay shut
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The UK business secretary has said that all shops in England can reopen next Monday – if they are able to follow Covid-19 safety guidelines.
Alok Sharma said any business must complete a risk assessment and take the necessary steps to protect staff and customers as a legal obligation.
Expected measures will include screens and ensuring customers and staff have enough space.
Asked about whether the government would change the two-metre social distancing rule, which many businesses have complained makes it too difficult for them to reopen, he said the rule "stays in place at the moment".
Although it is being kept under review, Mr Sharma said: "We will only change it when we think it is safe to do so."
Yesterday UK government education secretary Gavin Williamson admitted that plans to see all primary school pupils in England return to school for a month before the summer break have been dropped.
Head teachers had previously said such a large-scale return was not possible as social distancing limits the number of pupils they can accommodate at any one time.
Scottish schools are due to return on August 11.
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