The prime minister has announced that outdoor markets and car showrooms will be allowed to reopen from next week as part of phase two of Covid-19 restrictions.

Speaking during the daily No 10 press briefing, Boris Johnson said from June 1 both markets and car dealerships will reopen for business, as the transmission rate for the virus is much lower outside.

From June 15 all other non-essential retail, ‘ranging from department stores to small independent shops’ will also be allowed to reopen, he added, as long as death tolls and infection rates continue to fall.

Fresh guidance will be published today for the retail sector so they can start plans for implementing safety measures to make sure they meet the social distancing and hygiene standards.

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Mr Johnson said: ‘So I can announce that it is our intention to allow outdoor markets to reopen from June 1 subject to all premises being made Covid secure as well as car showrooms, which often have significant outdoor space and where it is generally easier to apply social distancing.

‘We know that the transmission of the virus is lower outdoors and that it is easier to follow Covid secure guidelines in open spaces.

‘That means we can also allow outdoor markets to reopen in a safe way that does not risk causing a second wave of the virus.

‘Then from June 15, we intend to allow all other non-essential retail, ranging from department stores to small, independent shops, to reopen.

‘Again, this change will be contingent upon progress against the five tests and will only be permitted for those retail premises which are Covid secure.

‘Shops now have the time to implement this guidance before they reopen. This will ensure there can be no doubt about what steps they should take.

‘While the vast majority of businesses will want to do everything possible to protect their staff and customers I should add that we will, of course, have the powers that we need to enforce compliance where that is required.’

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