Pharmacies and GPs to stay OPEN this Bank Holiday
GPs and pharmacies have been given an extra funding boost so they can stay open on the bank holiday.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the move today saying it is vital Brits can get a hold of doctors and medicine even over the long weekend.
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GPs and community pharmacies in England will be given up to £32million so that they are not out of pocket for opening on a day when their doors would normally be closed.
Community pharmacies have been directed to open with reduced hours – from 2pm to 5pm.
GP surgeries and pharmacies were also given up to £56 million last month to keep them open over the Easter weekend – just as coronavirus cases in the UK hit the peak.
The move will mean pharmacies and surgeries in areas that need it most will stay open – so customers should still call and check before they head out.
The special Friday VE Bank holiday is the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe after World War 2.
The bank holiday was moved this year from May 1 to May 8 to mark 75 years since Nazi Germany surrendered.
What times are supermarkets open?
Aldi
Aldi stores will be open from 8am till 8pm on the bank holiday Friday.
On Saturday shops are open from 8am till 10pm, while on Sunday its 10am to 4pm.
Aldi usually opens half an hour early for vulnerable and elderly customers Monday to Saturday and this will also apply to the bank holiday.
Asda
Generally, Asda hours vary by store, so your best bet is to check the store locator for local hours.
Opening times usually vary from 6am to 8am, although most branches have reduced opening hours to help staff keep shelves stocked during the lockdown.
Iceland
Iceland’s opening hours will be the same as every other weekday – which is usually 9am to 6pm.
The supermarket says there are some variations between local stores so you should check opening times here.
Lidl
During the bank holiday, the majority of Lidl stores across England and Wales will be open from 8am to 8pm.
Stores within the M25 and Scotland will stick to their normal opening hours.
Morrisons
Morrisons stores will be operating their usual hours over the bank holiday.
The majority of our stores will be open from 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, and 9.30am to 4pm on Sunday.
Scottish stores are open 8am to 8pm on Sunday.
M&S
All M&S Foodhalls are open over the bank holiday, including those that are found in larger stores.
On Friday, M&S will be operating its usual opening times.
Sainsbury’s
For the May bank holidays, most Sainsbury’s supermarkets will be open from 8am to 8pm.
Throughout the rest of May, the vast majority of stores are open from 8am to 10pm.
Tesco
Tesco is operating its usual hours over the bank holiday weekend.
These are subject to local restrictions and may vary store to store.
Waitrose
On Friday May 8, the majority of Waitrose shops will be open from 8am to 8pm, with some Little Waitrose shops opening from 7am to 10pm.
On both Saturday and Sunday most Waitrose shops will trade their normal hours.
Mr Sunak said he knew the value of small, local pharmacies in communities.
He said: “Growing up, working in my parent’s pharmacy in school holidays, I saw how much the local community depended on them in times of need.
“GPs and pharmacies are providing a vital service to patients across the country during this unprecedented outbreak – which is why we ensuring they can remain open on the Bank Holiday.
He added: “I want to thank doctors and pharmacists for all their hard work fighting coronavirus – we are so grateful to them.”
The Treasury is also providing the Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales with over £6 million so crucial services stay open there.
Many pharmacies have brought in personal protective equipment and screens by checkout counters to keep their staff safe while they continue to serve their customers.
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