Garden centres set to be allowed to reopen next week, PM to announce

GARDEN centres will be allowed to reopen from next week, the Prime Minister is set to announce.
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Boris Johnson will reveal on Sunday the Government's ‘road map’ on how it will lift restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.

While the Government has stressed it wants all parts of the UK to move together in easing the measures, decisions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be for leaders there.

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In this announcement it is expect that the PM will say that garden centres call reopen from Wednesday, May 13.

Gardening centres will be allowed to open from next week. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty ImagesGardening centres will be allowed to open from next week. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Gardening centres will be allowed to open from next week. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Nursery bosses will have to ensure shoppers obey social distancing measures, such as keeping two metres away from others, and will be expected to put restrictions in place, including queuing systems and installing Perspex shields to protect till staff.

A senior Government source said: ‘Garden centres are typically open large open-air spaces where the risk of transmission of coronavirus is lower.’

Last month, the British Retail Consortium published guidance for measures that retail stores could introduce to help with the transition once restrictions are lifted, including limiting entry and exit points and using floor markings to outline social distancing.

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Gardening centres which are offering delivery in and around Portsmouth
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Employees in non-essential industries who have been operating from home may be allowed to return to work - but they might be encouraged to wear face masks and opt for a bike ride to avoid public transport where possible.

Businesses wanting employees to return to the office could be made to stagger shifts, and ensure there are hand-washing facilities, hand gel and PPE supplies readily available.

Boris Johnson will recommend workers wear masks when they do return to work and when using public transport, The Daily Telegraph reported.

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Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is set to use his appearance at the Downing Street briefing on Saturday to unveil a further £250 million for extra cycle lanes, while trials on the use of e-scooters on British roads are due to be fast-tracked, PA understands.

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