From 15 June 2020, more shops will be able to open as the Government eases the lockdown following the coronavirus outbreak.

From mid-June retailers ranging from shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets will open again, if the Government's five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines.

Social distancing will still be necessary to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and retailers will have to familiarise themselves with all the new social distancing and hygiene standards. 

To help businesses adapt and guide them through the legislation, the District Council has put together some useful information and links on its website - https://www.stratford.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-recovery.cfm  

Cllr Anne Parry, Regulatory Portfolio says: "We need to do everything we can to support our town centres and retailers as we ease our way out of lockdown and help the recovery process. Public spaces and shopping areas will be heavily populated once the public is allowed to resume their usual shopping routines and we're here to help and advise businesses through all the new legislation and guidance.

"We want to encourage people to Visit Safe | Stay Safe - that's our message and we will do all we can to help businesses achieve this."

There may be some who are taking this opportunity to start a new business or to change an existing business. In this case the District Council can help with any planning, licensing, hygiene or safety requirements which are needed just complete the online form.

Useful Information:

• Health & Safety Executive (HSE):
  Working safely during the coronavirus outbreak - a short guide and links to industry specific advice: https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/assets/docs/working-safely-guide.pdf
  
  Talking with your workers about working safely during the coronavirus: https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/assets/docs/talking-with-your-workers.pdf

• The Food Standards Agency (FSA)
  A checklist to support food businesses to reopen safely during COVID-19 after a period of inaction: https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/reopening-checklist-for-food-businesses-during-covid-19
  
  
• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH):
  Resources relating to COVID-19 including downloadable signage links, safe shopping guides, food delivery, legionella: https://www.cieh.org/policy/coronavirus-covid-19/resources/