What will be the 'new normal'?
We in the UK are being told we will hear on Sunday what restrictions may be eased. This article has some possibilities.
"When can I go shopping again?
High Street fashion chains and others closed during lockdown are waiting to hear how they might reopen.
Changing rooms could be closed and customers encouraged to shop alone, the British Retail Consortium suggests.
Next
says it will prioritise reopening larger, out-of-town outlets, where social distancing is easier.
Some DIY stores, meanwhile, have already reopened - but they are accepting card payments only and have shorter trading hours.
And B&Q has
banned under-16s.
But several retailers will be missing from the High Street altogether,
the chairman of key-cutting company Timpson has warned.
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES
UK retail sales
fell a record 5.1% in March, the steepest fall since the Office for National Statistics started collecting data, in 1996.
There is likely to be a
bounceback - and bargains as managers try to shift stock.
But with more people working from home and going out less, it may not be as big as retailers need.
Will I be able to see my friends and family?
Not being able to meet up with family and friends is one of the toughest aspects of staying home.
When a grandmother
asked a Downing Street briefing if being able to hug her grandchildren would be among the first changes, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the question "brought home the emotional impact" of lockdown and he hoped she could do it "as soon as possible".
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES
The Scottish government, meanwhile, has
set out options that would allow people to leave home more often, while staying within their local area and only mixing with their own household group.
It is also looking at whether a small group of friends or relatives could meet in "a group or 'bubble'".
But the UK's chief medical adviser, Chris Whitty, has warned
close contact with family may pose a risk to some vulnerable groups for some time.
What will change at my place of work?
Hot-desking could become a thing of the past, according to
draft government proposals to bring UK businesses out of lockdown.
Companies will also need to look at staggering shifts, rethink how equipment is shared and plan safe walking routes for staff - in offices, on factory floors and at building sites.
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES
The issue of how businesses can secure personal protective equipment without competing with the NHS has raised concerns.
And unions say employers must be compelled to protect staff.
What will it be like on public transport?
Even though there's likely to be
fewer people using trains, trams and buses, keeping passengers apart will be difficult.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps says businesses could be asked to
stagger employees' working hours, to stop rush-hour crowds.
But one rail boss has warned social distancing of any kind would be
"extraordinarily difficult" to manage, while another has said it could reduce the capacity of trains by between 70% and 90%.
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES
A leaked Transport for London (TfL) report says for 2m (6ft) social distancing to be maintained only 50,000 passengers could board every 15 minutes, whereas before lockdown, peak hours would see 325,000 every 15 minutes.
The Scottish government, meanwhile, has
recommended people wear face coverings on public transport.
Eurostar passengers are also
required to cover their faces.
When will schools and universities return?
Children in England, Scotland and Wales may be able to make a "phased return" to schools, with only certain year groups attending.
Reports suggest primary schools and pupils in Years 10 and 12 - who take key exams in 2021 - would be prioritised.
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES
Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, meanwhile, has
unveiled a paper suggesting pupils could attend school part-time, with
"a blend of in-school and at-home learning".
Across the UK,
measures to keep pupils and teachers safe could include:
- limiting class sizes
- groups of pupils attending on different days
- redesigned classrooms
- staggered break times
Meanwhile, there is
uncertainty over whether students will be able to go to university in person in September or whether they will be taught partially or completely online."
Continued at link
