GARDEN centres will reopen next week in a major boost to green-fingered Brits.
Queues for planting-season goodies could save the industry and lift spirits amid the coronavirus lockdown.
A garden boss said: “This will be great for people’s physical and mental well-being.”
The reopening of garden centres leads measures to be announced in the PM’s “unlockdown” master plan tomorrow evening.
They will throw open their doors on Wednesday — giving staff two days to install social-distancing tape and Perspex screens on tills.
Boris Johnson will unveil the move to reward Brits for abiding by the tough stay-home rules.
Unlimited walks, runs or cycles
The centres faced ruin if they had to stay shut as they take 60 per cent of annual revenue in planting season.
Scientists concluded the risk of spreading the virus in largely outdoor centres is low, as long as their cafés and playgrounds remain shut.
A No10 source: “We will do what we can to help, carefully and bit by bit. Reopening centres in right conditions is something we can do now.”
The PM will also relax rules on exercising to allow unlimited walks, runs or cycles.
And Environment Secretary George Eustice urged takeaway outlets to reopen, insisting they were never under any obligation to close.
He revealed talks with McDonald’s, KFC and Costa, adding: “A drive-through is made for social distancing.” In other developments:
- The lockdown risked fraying as UK nations started to unveil different relaxations at different times.
- Major lockdown changes are unlikely until June at least — a week later than the initial May 26 target — as the ‘R’ rate of contagion is still higher than expected.
- All Brits will be asked to wear masks when they return to work.
- Cabinet ministers issued fresh pleas for everyone to stay at home despite the 25C weather.
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced garden centres could reopen in Wales from Monday — although its lockdown will last to May 28 at least.
No10 sources insisted the move has long been in Mr Johnson’s secret plan, too.
Garden Centre Association CEO Iain Wylie said it was great news, adding: “This will enable people to do much more in the garden, which is great for physical and mental wellbeing.”
Meanwhile, government figures revealed park usage soared on the last hot weekend at the end of April. Mr Eustice told last night’s briefing: “Although it is going to be a sunny bank holiday, it’s vitally important we abide by the rules. Please stay at home and save lives.”
Wales leader Mr Drakeford also revealed libraries may reopen there soon. No10 initially remained silent after his announcements.
Nicola Sturgeon made it clear that nothing would be allowed to reopen in Scotland next week as its R rate is higher than other countries. Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone was among police chiefs warning it would be harder to enforce rules if the four nations pursued different lockdown paths.
Four-nation approach
And Tim Brain, former Chief Constable of Gloucestershire, said: “If we hear that some regions are having more of an easement than others then that is going to send a particular problem for policing.
“How do you stop someone travelling from West Midlands, where restrictions might have been lifted, to Scotland where they haven’t?”
The PM’s official spokesman said: “We understand where there could be circumstances for divergence, where there is scientific evidence that supports it. But we remain committed to taking a four-nation approach wherever possible. The Prime Minister is clear we are going to adopt an approach of maximum caution.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the PM would roll out relaxations one by one, very cautiously, starting from Monday. But he said the move could be halted and even reversed if the R rate rose again.
Mr Dowden said Brits were not getting a green light to abandon lockdown. But he added: “People should be able to look forward to the weeks and months ahead to know where we are going and the order in which we are doing it.”
TRAINS will run on 70 per cent of their schedules from May 18 — up from about 50 per cent.
