BUSINESS owners in the Fordingbridge area are “cautiously optimistic” after plans were unveiled for easing lockdown.
A new “roadmap” setting out dates for the opening of pubs and non-essential businesses as well as schools was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Mr Johnson said his four-stage plan would be driven by the data as opposed to dates.
Schools will be the first to reopen on March 8 when there will also be some changes to socialising. But businesses in retail and personal care will have to wait longer to reopen – no earlier than April 12. For pubs and restaurants wanting to welcome customers indoors the wait is even longer – no earlier than May 17.