Shops could soon reopen with strict rules for all customers who will be banned from trying on clothes before buying them or using the in-store toilets or cafe for many months, it was revealed today.
Dominic Raab has braced Britain to prepare for a 'new normal' and the Foreign Secretary, who has been deputising in Boris Johnson's absence as he battled coronavirus, said elements of the current lockdown would remain for 'some time'.
Today guidance drawn up by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the shop workers' union Usdaw was released to help shops prepare for the reopening of the UK's high street stores.
Clothes shops may ban customers from trying items on before they buy them in an effort to stop coronavirus spreading as retailers reopen.
As well as closing or restricting changing rooms, shops could also limit the number of people inside and employ guards to keep customers two metres apart, reported The Times.
Customer toilers and cafes could also be closed while retailers will encourage people to pay by card. This is to allow for a 'greater breadth of stores' to open as the lockdown is eased.
Bosses will be asked to find a way to have an entrance for customers and a separate exit to ensure they leave by a different door.
A sign instructing shoppers to maintain social distancing is seen at the entrance to a Tesco supermarket in Lincoln, which will be commonplace as stores begin to reopen
The Foreign Secretary, who has been deputising in Boris Johnson's absence, said elements of the current lockdown would remain for 'some time'
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Inside shops there should be one-way systems for people, like the ones used in supermarkets, and a limit on the number who can enter based on their average daily footfall.
And outside neighbouring businesses will be expected to work together to ensure people can safely queue with with two-metre distances marked out on the pavement outside.
Helen Dickinson, the BRC's chief executive, said: 'Retailers are closely following developments from government on when restrictions might be eased and are starting to plan accordingly. The safety and wellbeing of colleagues and customers remains the highest priority and these guidelines aim to support everyone in the industry.
'Since the lockdown many retailers have proved how shops can be run safely and effectively in line with the government's social-distancing advice. This guidance is the product of retail's incredible efforts to adapt to exceptional circumstances.'
Paddy Lillis, Usdaw's general secretary, said: 'Non-food retail should only start trading again when expert public health advice agrees. However, we need to be ready and we need to make sure that the proper preparations and measures are in place.'
The dire state of Britain's retail sector, which employs more than 3million people, is piling pressure on ministers to send the UK back to work.
The tourism industry is also working on proposals that will maintain social distancing rules while allowing some hotels, theme parks and attractions to relaunch.
DIY chains such as B&Q, Homebase and Wickes have seen long queues after opening many outlets.
Queues of shoppers were seen snaking outside B&Q stores and fast-food outlets across Scotland amid some being allowed to reopen.
Burger King's chief executive has confirmed that the fast-food chain will reopen four branches north of the Border, in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Dundee.
KFC and Pret a Manger have begun a phased reopening and McDonald's is rumoured to be following suit in the next few weeks.
Many small independent cafes and coffee shops have opened to launch take-away services. Timpson, the key-cutting and shoe repair specialists, is opening some stores with strict hygiene and social distancing.
And the budget airline Wizz Air is to restart some flights from Luton Airport on Friday, becoming one of the first European carriers to begin restoring services.
Housebuilder Persimmon announced last week it would reopen its construction sites on Monday after Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin and building firm Taylor Wimpey said they would resume work next month.
The Prime Minister will relieve Mr Raab of command as he resumes charge of government today - when he will draw up plans to gradually get the UK moving again.
But although the PM is reportedly bullish about lifting the restraints when the science allows, Mr Raab levelled with the public any relaxation would not herald a return to pre-lockdown life.
Mr Raab dampened hopes of an imminent loosening of restrictions by refusing to be drawn on an exit strategy at this 'delicate and dangerous' phase in the pandemic.
Yesterday, he told Sky News: 'What we have said very clearly is we have set out the five tests for what the next transitional phase will look like. It won't just be going back it will be a new normal with social distancing measures adapted to areas which are currently closed off and we will make sure we are guided by the scientific evidence.'
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