Are non-essential shops open in tier 3? Latest advice for shoppers as lockdown ends in England

Families were warned to be “jolly careful” over Christmas by the Prime Minister, as he confirmed the end of a second national lockdown on December 2.

Speaking on November 23 Boris Johnson outlined plans to ease England out of lockdown, while continuing to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

The country has now returned to a regional tiered approach following the end of a lockdown on December 2

Under the new rules non-essential shops, hairdressers and gyms will all be allowed to reopen.

Here’s everything you need to know about how each industry is affected.

When did lockdown end?

England moved from a nationwide lockdown to tiered restrictions on December 2.

When will non-essential shops reopen?

There will be plenty of time to sort Christmas shopping, with non-essential shops allowed to reopen following lockdown’s lifting.

According to the government this includes indoor and outdoor markets and car boot sales

When will gyms reopen?

Gyms and certain leisure and sporting facilities all reopened on December 2.

This includes: gyms, sports courts and facilities, leisure centres, fitness and dance studios, golf courses, swimming pools, riding centres, outdoor playgrounds.

When will hairdressers reopen?

Those hoping to impress at their virtual Christmas party are able to make last-minute trips to the hairdressers, barber and beauty salon.

Personal care and close contact services such as hairdressers and barbers, beauty salons, tattoo parlours, nail salons, spas and beauty services, massage parlours and tanning salons, are all allowed to reopen in all tiers from December 2.

What did Boris Johnson say?

The Prime Minister struck a cautious tone as he told the nation that “we’re not out of the woods yet” and that the UK faced a “hard” start to 2021, but that he expected “things will look and feel very different” after Easter.

He said that with a “favourable wind” the majority of people most in need of a vaccination might be able to get one by April, as the Oxford-AstraZeneca team said its jab had proved up to 90% effective.

It follows positive results from Pfizer and Moderna, but none of the jabs have yet been approved for use and getting people vaccinated will be a major undertaking.

Mr Johnson, speaking via videolink at a Downing Street press conference as he continues his self-isolation, said: “We can hear the drumming hooves of the cavalry coming over the brow of the hill but they are not here yet.

“Even if all three vaccines are approved, even if the production timetables are met – and vaccines notoriously fall behind in their production timetables – it will be months before we can be sure we have inoculated everyone that needs a vaccine.”

He warned that it is “not the moment to let the virus rip for the sake of Christmas parties”, saying: “Tis the season to be jolly, but it is also the season to be jolly careful, especially with elderly relatives.”