Sunak welcomes return of some outdoor markets
CHANCELLOR RISHI Sunak has met with market traders as they returned to outdoor stalls, signalling the first step in Government plans to reopen the economy.
Scientific advisors believe the transmission of the coronavirus is lower outdoors, allowing for the first markets to reopen ahead of wider moves later this month.
As stallholders set out their wares in one of the country’s biggest markets in Camden, London, yesterday, they were fearful that customer numbers could be as low as 20 per cent.
But Chancellor Mr Sunak, MP for Richmond, in North Yorkshire, moved to reassure businesses further as lockdown measures begin to lift.
“From today, outdoor markets selling flowers, books, crafts, and fashion can start trading again, marking a major milestone in our plan to kickstart the economy,”
he said. “We’re only able to take these steps because of what we have achieved together so far.
“If the scientific and medical advice allows, the next steps will be to reopen non-essential retail in mid-June, and then hospitality and leisure in early July, so these sectors can start trading once again.”
Last month, the Prime Minister set out a timeline for the reopening of thousands of high street shops and shopping centres across England.
All other non-essential retail will be able to reopen from June 15, if the scientific and medical advice allows, he said, provided they are able to follow the Covid-19 Secure guidelines.
Car showrooms have opened for the first time since lockdown, as part of a wider easing of restrictions in England.
There were lengthy queues as IKEA opened its doors at 19 bases across England and Northern Ireland yesterday. Stores in Sheffield and in Birstall, west Yorkshire, were among those that reopened.
Hundreds of people were pictured queuing across shopping parks to enter the stores, with the company asking shoppers to visit alone to reduce the risk of infection. While restaurants at the store are closed to the public, some are introducing takeaways, and all shopping with be card or cashless payments only.