Dozens of businesses in Southend are preparing to welcome back customers after the Prime Minister confirmed the easing of lockdown rules next week. Pubs and restaurants will be able to serve food and drink outside from Monday, while shops, gyms and hairdressers will also reopen. The new will be a major boost for the businesses and shops hoping to open up to customers for the first time in months. Speaking about the easing of lockdown, Boris Johnson told today's Downing Street press briefing: “We think that these changes are fully justified by the data, which shows that we are meeting our four tests for easing the lockdown.