When will garden centres reopen in the UK?
AFTER weeks of being shut as a result of the Government imposing a lockdown to battle the outbreak of coronavirus, it seems garden centres are on the verge of reopening.
Nurseries across the country had to close on March 23 to comply with instructions for the shutdown of all non-essential facilities.
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When will garden centres reopen?
Lockdown restrictions could be eased for garden centres, making way for them to be one of the first non-essential retailers to open their doors under new guidelines.
With their big open air spaces, costumers believe it will be difficult for coronavirus to spread.
A YouGov poll showed 70 per cent of people who took part felt comfortable about garden centres reopening.
Some have already begun operations including Plants Galore which did not close its doors during the lockdown.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his government will review plans to ease the lockdown restrictions on May 7.
An announcement is not expected until Sunday, May 10, when garden centres will learn if they can open again.
A number of MPs have backed the idea of garden centres making a comeback.
How will social distancing work?
Garden centres, like many other facilities will have to adopt social distancing measures.
As a result of their big open air spaces, they are expected to be able to maintain social distancing rules.
Tape could be used to make customers aware of two metres to allow for distancing, although Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) is said to have been asked to review if people do need to observe this rule.
Some retailers such as B&Q and Homebase have adopted the two metre rule in order to help stop the spread of the virus.
Can I still buy plants online?
Online retailers are still selling plants and garden materials.
There have been reports of several items being out of stock as demand increases.
Retailers such as B&Q, Dobbies and Gardens4You are among the retailers who have reported shortage of products.
Customers who manage to purchase products online have had to face severe delays in delivery.
Some customers face delays of up to a year while others have to wait for months.
Is gardening allowed during lockdown?
With the arrival of spring, several people across the country are looking to make the most of their gardens in time for the summer.
You can still tend to your own garden at home during the lockdown.
Gardeners, although not identified as key workers, can still provide services.
The Government’s advice on the matter is that gardeners can continue to work but ensure they follow Public Health England’s social distancing rules.
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“Work carried out in people’s homes, for example by tradespeople carrying out repairs and maintenance, can continue, provided that the tradesperson is well and has no symptoms,” according to a statement on PHE’s website.
It added: “Again, it will be important to ensure that Public Health England guidelines, including maintaining a two metre distance from any household occupants, are followed to ensure everyone’s safety.”
It is also advised that no work should be carried out in homes where members of the household are isolating.