Fenland town centres to reawaken as Boris Johnson announces non-essential shops to reopen from as early as June 1

All non-essential shops have been given the go ahead to reopen as of next month.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said outdoor markets and showrooms will be able to trade from as early as June 1, while all other non-essential retailers will have to wait until June 15.

These stores include shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets.

It won't be as easy as just opening your shop doors again though. Employers are to face spot checks to ensure social distancing measures are followed and any workers and customers are safe.

Mr Johnson told the daily Downing Street press conference on Monday that the risk of transmission was lower in outdoor areas, where social distancing could be easier to enforce.

Earlier this month, garden centres were permitted to reopen in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as part of the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

The Prime Minister said: “We will set out our formal assessment of the five tests that we set for adjusting the lockdown later this week as part of the three-weekly review we are legally required to undertake by Thursday.

“But because of the progress we are making I can, with confidence, put the British people on notice of the changes we intend to introduce as we move to step two.”