As the outbreak eases, Britain's lockdown has eased, bringing back retail businesses that have struggled to maintain social distance. Outdoor markets and car showrooms will reopen on June 1.

    British prime minister Boris Johnson has announced plans to slow down some novel coronavirus lockout measures, opening outdoor markets and car showrooms on June 1 and stores on June 15, foreign media reported.

    Mr Johnson said thousands of high street stores, department stores and shopping centres could be back on their feet in three weeks as long as retailers took steps to step up measures to maintain social distancing and ensure their premises were "safe and secure".

    Outdoor markets and car dealerships will resume operations from June 1 as the first step in easing restrictions in the UK.In addition, some primary schools in the UK will reopen on this day.

    Mr. Johnson also approved other nonessential retail businesses, including stores for clothing, shoes, toys, furniture, books and electronics, that reopened two weeks later.Auction houses, sound stages and indoor markets will also resume operations from June 15.

    Institutions that struggle to maintain a social distance will open after July 4

    The government also confirmed that hotels, restaurants, guesthouses, coffee shops and beauty and hair salons that have difficulty maintaining a social distance will not reopen until July 4 at the earliest.

    Retailers are expected to follow the lead of supermarkets and pharmacies by limiting the number of customers at the same time and installing transparent barriers to contain the risk of the spread of covid-19.There is also a need to disinfect objects and representations that come into frequent contact.

    Johnson told a government news conference that he hopes consumers will return to the market next month, and while it is too early, the government is very hopeful that there will be a rebound in the coming months.But Mr Johnson's statement applies only to England, with local authorities in Scotland, wales and Northern Ireland yet to make any decision on when non-food businesses will reopen.

    Josh hardy, deputy director-general of the confederation of British industry, said: "retailers are doing everything they can to protect the safety of the public and staff, and many are leading the way with innovative solutions to do just that."As more businesses turn their attention to reopening, this guideline will help companies develop safety plans."

    Helen dickinson, chief executive of the British retail federation, also said retailers could start talking to staff and customers about their restart plans under government guidelines.The industry stands ready to play a role in driving the recovery.