U.K. Treasury Mulls Plans to Allow Firms to Reopen: The Times
U.K. Treasury Mulls Plans to Allow Firms to Reopen: The Times
(Bloomberg) --
The U.K. Treasury is preparing plans that would allow non-essential businesses to reopen while ensuring they’re free from the coronavirus, The Times reported, citing a Treasury blueprint.
Among the measures, companies would have to tell staff to go home if they show symptoms of the virus, and display signs instructing employees to remain 2 meters apart, the newspaper reported. Communal spaces will also be closed unless social distancing measures can be observed.
The move comes amid mounting concerns over the effects of the lockdown on businesses and individuals. The Home Secretary Priti Patel is set to outline greater powers for the police at a press briefing later on Saturday, the Daily Mail reported, as warm weather has seen citizens venture outdoors and break social distancing rules.
The U.K. lockdown started March 23 and extends to May 7, when the government is legally obliged to review the restrictions. It has set out five tests that must be met before lifting them. Some could be eased next month, although June is looking more likely, The Times said, citing government sources.
As economies across Europe look to ease restrictions in a bid to return to normality, Britain’s next steps have also come into focus. The government is considering allowing people to socialize with as many as 10 of their closest family and friends from no more than one or two households, the Daily Mail reported, citing a government source.
This would allow families and to see each other again and socialize in small “bubbles,” as well as share childcare.
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