TRADERS are making their final preparations ahead of the reopening of non-essential stores on Monday.

Many businesses are ready to get back into action following Boris Johnson naming the date last month.

The Prime Minister said: “On June 15 we intend to allow all other non-essential retail, ranging from department stores to small, independent shops, to reopen.”

But he warned this would only be permitted for those retail premises which are “Covid-secure”.

The Argus:

This involves allowing customers to maintain a two metre distance from others who are not from their own households.

As a result, many shops are expected to implement limits on the number of customers in the store at any one time, as well as hygiene stations and one-way systems.

When The Argus took a stroll round Brighton, many shop-owners and staff could be seen making adjustments to their stores ahead of the reopening.

The Argus:

Some of the suggested safety features can already been seen in Brighton Square, in the heart of the historic Lanes, with white lines and arrows showing shoppers where to go.

Brighton and Hove City Council will monitor the reopening of stores and measures are currently being considered to ensure this is done safely.

Councillor Anne Pissaridou, the council’s chairwoman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “From June 1, outdoor markets have begun trading and from Monday retail outlets are allowed to reopen.

The Argus:

“The Government has issued guidance on physical distancing and extra vigilance over personal hygiene, and our trading standards team has written to businesses to remind them of their duty to take proactive measures to protect public safety and to minimise the spread of Covid-19.

“We’re introducing a range of measures to support our city businesses to reopen safely, including widening pavements, closing roads and installing more signage.

The Argus:

“It is important that everyone continues to act responsibly in public places, as the large majority have done to date.

“Our combined actions to keep people safe will help the city recover and come out of the crisis stronger and safer.”

  • At The Argus, we are championing the work of traders during the coronavirus pandemic as part of our #BackingSussexBusiness campaign. We are always interested to hear how the community is coming together in this crisis. If you know of a local business battling to do all it can in these tough times and/or offering support to the local community, please get in touch at laurie.churchman@theargus.co.uk and rose.lock@theargus.co.uk.