Travel agents to re-open on Monday
Non-essential shops, including travel agents, will be able re-open next Monday, business secretary Alok Sharma confirmed at the Government’s daily briefing.
He said the high street would ‘spring back to life’ from June 15. "This gives business enough time to make sure their businesses are Covid-secure," added Sharma.
Shop owners must read and adhere to Government’s new safe working guidelines, published last month, prior to re-opening on Monday.
"They must complete a risk assessment and take steps to manage the risks," said Sharma. Shops must also post notices outside their premises stating they have read and followed the Government guidance.
Local authorities will be carrying out spot checks and stores that aren’t following the safer working guidance could receive enforcement notices, added Sharma.
Bars and restaurants will not be allowed to reopen until July 4, at the earliest.
When asked at the daily briefing when holiday rentals will be allowed to resume, Sharma said: "I do understand people want answers to that question," but he didn’t give an answer.
Instead, he added: "We want to re-open the economy in a phased and careful manner," but promised the Government will continue to financial support those businesses forced to remain closed through its furlough scheme and loans.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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