Non-essential retail to open on April 12th

The Prime Minister announced today that assuming strict conditions are met non-essential retailers will be allowed to reopen shops from April 12th (at the earliest).

There are four phases to the UK’s exit from lockdown. Each step would be measured against four conditions: tracking the pace of the vaccination programme; infection rates and whether they are putting pressure on the NHS; and the emergence of any new coronavirus variants.

Reopening of non-essential shops would be undertaken at the same time as other high street businesses such as hairdressers, restaurants and outdoor hospitality. Social distancing and mask-wearing would likely need to continue.

8 March

• schools would be allowed to return from March 8
• two people from separate households to meet in outdoor public spaces

29 March

• outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households could be allowed

12 April

• outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households could be allowed
• outdoor hospitality to resume

17 May

• The Rule of six would be abolished for outdoor gatherings, depending on the virus data
• indoor mixing would be allowed
• cinemas, hotels and live events would be allowed with social distancing measures in place

21 June

• Potentially all limits on social contact could be removed
• The final elements of the economy to reopen.