LONDON (Reuters) – Stores, hairdressers, gyms and gardens in England will reopen on Monday, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying it was a “major step” in releasing the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hundreds of thousands of companies have been shut down since early January, when England entered a third blockade to stop the growing infections caused by the “Kent” variant of the virus.
A vaccination campaign that dealt a first blow to more than half of adults and blockade measures reduced deaths by more than 95% and cases by more than 90% since the peak in January.
The seven deaths on Sunday within 28 days of a positive COVID test are the lowest daily death tolls by this measure since 14 September.
These advances would allow the stages to be blocked, Johnson said earlier this month, adding that he is looking forward to a pint in a pub garden.
“I’m sure it will be a huge relief for those business owners who have been closed for so long and for everyone else it’s a chance to get back to doing some of the things we love and have missed,” he said. he statement Sunday.
“I urge everyone to continue to behave responsibly and remember their ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ in order to suppress COVID as we continue with our vaccination program.”
With over 127,000 deaths, the UK has the fifth highest death toll in the world due to COVID-19.
Convincing people to return to some normalcy and start spending again is the key to Britain’s recovery after official data last month showed that 2020 was the worst year for its economy in more than three centuries.
UK retailers, which lost about £ 27bn ($ 37bn) in sales during foreclosures, hope renewed demand will fuel a trade boom.
Non-essential stores, such as home and fashion chains, will reopen on Monday in Wales and England, although those in Scotland will have to wait until 26 April.
Pubs and restaurants will only be able to serve outdoors from Monday, although early rules requiring serving meals and drinks have been canceled.
Indoor service will not be allowed until May 17 at the latest.
($ 1 = £ 0.7296)
Reporting by Paul Sandle. Editing by Jane Merriman