Lockdown ends: Full list of businesses that will open on December 2

SHOPS and gyms are among the businesses that will reopen on December 2 once the England lockdown ends.

Boris Johnson today announced the national lockdown will come to an end next week as planned, but it’ll be replaced with strict new measures.

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Gyms are among businesses set to reopen on December 3Credit: Alamy

It comes following fears by No10 that coronavirus “could quickly run out of control again”.

Boris Johnson said in a Downing Street statement today: “For the first time since this wretched virus took hold we can see a route out of the pandemic.

“But the hard truth is we’re not there yet.

“First we must get through winter without virus getting out of control and squandering hard-won gains.”

England was plunged into its second lockdown on November 5, with the restrictions in force until December 2.

Under the current restrictions, people in England can only travel for essential reasons, while every non-essential business have been shut down.

Pubs and restaurants have also been forced to shut for dine-in, although they can still offer takeaway and delivery options.

The return to the three-tier structure is set to come into force from midnight on December 2, although the tiers have been strengthened with additional measures.

The system will then be in place until the spring, while scientists continue work on approving vaccines.

The rules will be reviewed every 14 days to check if they are working, and to see whether they can be relaxed.

Full list of businesses that can reopen on December 2

At the moment, only a handful of essential stores are allowed to stay open, such as supermarkets and pharmacies.

The businesses that will reopen on December 2 depends on where you live, with the tiers for different areas set to be announced on Thursday.

Below we explain which businesses will be allowed to welcome back customers again.

You can find out which businesses will stay closed following the new restrictions in our guide.

Tier 3

Non-essential retailers, including clothing stores and toy shops
Pubs, restaurants and bars – but only for takeaway, delivery or click and collect
Gyms – although group exercise classes are banned
Swimming pools and leisure centres
Hairdressers and barbers
Beauty salons
Places of worship

In the old tier system which was in place during October, some tier 3 areas like Liverpool were forced to shut their gyms.

While other cities like Manchester were still allowed to keep fitness facilities open.

However, once lockdown ends, gyms will be allowed to stay open regardless of the tier.

Tier 2

On top of the above, pubs and bars can remain open in tier 2 for dine-in as long as they serve a substantial meal with any booze they sell.

The 10pm curfew has also been extended until 11pm.

In tier 2, casinos, cinemas, bowling alleys, theatres, soft play areas, museums and galleries can also open.

Tier 1

Most businesses are allowed to operate in tier 1 as long as they’re Covid-19 secure.

One of the few exceptions is nightclubs, which haven’t reopened since March.

Restaurants and pubs that are open for dine-in in tier 1 can only operate a table-service, so you won’t be able to order at the bar.

Which businesses have remained open during the lockdown?

THE following businesses have been allowed to stay open during the second coronavirus lockdown in England, so they’ll also continue to welcome back customers.

They’ve been allowed to remain open as they sell “essential” goods or services.

Supermarkets
Food retailers
Convenience stores and corner shops
Off licenses and licensed shops selling alcohol including breweries
Pharmacies and chemists
Newsagents
Hardware stores
Building merchants and building services
Petrol stations
Car repair and MOT services
Bicycle shops
Taxi or vehicle hire businesses
Banks
Building societies
Credit unions
Short term loan providers
Savings clubs
Cash points
Currency exchanges
Post offices
Funeral directors
Launderettes and dry cleaners
Dental services
Opticians
Hearing services
Chiropody
Chiropractors
Osteopaths
Mental health services
Veterinary surgeons and pet shops
Agricultural supplies shop
Storage and distribution facilities
Car parks
Public toilets
Garden centres

Following the announcement, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Retailers will be relieved by the government’s confirmation that all shops can reopen once the current restrictions are lifted.

“SAGE data has always highlighted that retail is a safe environment, and firms have spent hundreds of millions on safety measures.”

While Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), added they’re “delighted” that shops can reopen.

“The second lockdown has had a terrible impact on independent retail – potentially more than than the first one because it is such an important time on the retail calendar.

“Retailers will be ready and we hope that the town centres and local authorities will also have prepared to accommodate shoppers.”

What else did Boris Johnson announce today?

Boris Johnson also announced today:

Government officials are said to have a sense of renewed optimism over the success of vaccines, with one source claiming Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has a “spring in his step”.

No 10 is adamant recent positive news could mean restrictions are gradually wound down towards spring 2021.

Brits could also be given special ‘freedom passes’ to allow them to live a relatively normal life – if they have two negative Covid tests a week.

Boris Johnson outlines new coronavirus Tier system post December 2

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk