Covid restrictions that will change for retailers on May 17 – and what they mean for shoppers Bedford News

Gatherings inside houses are again allowed, with a limit of six people or groups for a maximum of two households.

Indoor recreation is also making a comeback, with the reopening of cinemas, sports and seating in pubs and restaurants.

But what does this mean for English stores?

Here’s what a trip to retail therapy might look like starting May 17th.

While shoppers can theoretically go on a spending spree with up to five other people, a trip to stores won’t be quite the same as before the pandemic.

Advice for social distancing will remain in place (although it is hoped that the “ 1 meter plus rule ” can be removed from June 21), and stores will keep the floor marks that many have used to give customers an idea of ​​how much space they should leave between themselves during the queue, for example.

Stores will also continue to operate at reduced capacities, so you may have to queue outside and wait for the numbers inside the store to drop before you are allowed to enter.

According to the Mirror, a store’s Covid-19 guidance should be clearly displayed at the entrance, and shoppers are urged to familiarize themselves with the measures in place before entering.

Face masks will always be required by law in stores, unless you are exempt from them or have a reasonable excuse.

Changing rooms can reopen where it is safe to do so, if an individual store can operate them under conditions secured by Covid with allowances for social distancing.

This is at the store’s discretion, and stores that choose to open their dressing rooms may take a limited entry approach, using a rule of one in one, except when customers require specific assistance. .

Use may be limited to individual cabins in the changing room areas and only alternate cabins may be opened. The government says multi-occupancy changing rooms should remain closed.

Outdoor arenas will be able to host live events with a maximum number of 4,000 participants, or for large outdoor venues where crowds can be distributed, up to 10,000.

Gatherings inside houses are again allowed, with a limit of six people or groups for a maximum of two households.

Indoor recreation is also making a comeback, with the reopening of cinemas, sports and seating in pubs and restaurants.

In addition to removing the 10 p.m. curfew, no substantial meals will be required for patrons to enjoy a pint, but they must order, eat and drink seated to avoid queues at the bar.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also confirmed that from next Monday cuddling between people from different households in England will be allowed for the first time in months.

Travel to a handful of approved “green list countries” – including Portugal – without having to quarantine, will be allowed, provided travelers pass a post-arrival test.

A version of this article originally appeared on our sister title, NationalWorld