WATCH: ALL retailers allowed to reopen on Monday

Friday 15 May 2020

All retailers will be able to re-open their premises from next Monday as long as they ensure customers and staff stay two metres apart from each other, the Deputy Chief Minister has announced.

The news comes just a few days after retailers with premises of over 700sqm were allowed to re-open as the island entered Level 3 of its Lockdown Exit Strategy.

Senator Farnham, the Minister for Economic Department, assured the decision to allow all retailers to re-open – “as long as they can ensure that physical distancing of two metres can be maintained” – has been taken following expert medical advice. 

In a hearing with Scrutiny this morning, Richard Corrigan, Group Director for the Economy Department, said businesses will be able to access the Bank Loan Guarantee Scheme to fund any changes they might need to implement to their business to enforce physical distancing. 

Pictured: Guidelines for hairdressers and other health and beauty businesses will be published soon.

Meanwhile, officers are working on a new set of guidelines to allow dental practices, hair and beauty, health and fitness businesses to re-open as well.

“We are in consultation with these sectors and guidelines are being prepared right now for their safe and proportionate reopening,” Senator Farnham said.

Meanwhile, the Minister has assured the Government will provide “ongoing fiscal support” to the businesses who need it.  

“We are acutely conscious of the possibility of a “cliff-edge” occurring when the Payroll Scheme is eventually withdrawn, particularly for those businesses and industries that are seasonal and rely heavily on tourism,” Senator Farnham said.

“I want to reassure our Island businesses that we will provide ongoing fiscal support to those worst-hit right through the pandemic.”

£15 million has already been paid out so far as part of the co-funded payroll scheme. While the scheme is currently set to run until June, Senator Farnham said there is “scope and funding” for it to be extended to the end of August should the disruption continue.

In the UK, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the furlough support scheme will be extended til the end of October, with employees being allowed to work part-time from August.

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