Shops in England can open next month if social distancing guidelines met, Boris Johnson says

The Prime Minister said outdoor markets and car showrooms would be able to open from June 1, with other retailers following a fortnight later

All shops across England will be able to open next month if they can meet the coronavirus guidelines to protect shoppers and workers, Boris Johnson has announced.

The Prime Minister said outdoor markets and car showrooms would be able to open from June 1 if they are safe to do so.

All other non-essential retailers - such as those selling clothes and books - will be allowed to open from June 15, provided the guidelines are met along with the Government's five tests for easing the lockdown.

Mr Johnson told the daily Downing Street press conference that the risk of transmission is lower in outdoor areas, where social distancing can be easier to enforce

Earlier this month, garden centres were permitted to reopen in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as part of the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

The Prime Minister said: "We will set out our formal assessment of the five tests that we set for adjusting the lockdown later this week as part of the three-weekly review we are legally required to undertake by Thursday.

"But because of the progress we are making I can, with confidence, put the British people on notice of the changes we intend to introduce as we move to step two."

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