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21 Powerful Photos Revealing A Gigantic Change After Lockdown

Covid-19 has changed life drastically, even for those who have not got ill. The pandemic is crashing old way of businesses as it batters the economy.

By Anton BlackPublished 4 years ago 4 min read
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Streatham High Rd, London

The U.K. has been placed on lockdown as an attempt by the government to stop the virus.

Essential stores, such as pharmacies, supermarkets and petrol stations are among those authorised to stay open.

All non-essential businesses, including many large retail stores, have now been closed for over five weeks.

Anyone breaching coronavirus lockdown rules will be breaking the law and faces the consequences, including huge fines.

The government will reassess the situation every three weeks and relax the measures if the data shows to be plausible.

Businesses and organisations that must close:

  • Cafes, including workplace canteens
  • Restaurants
  • Pubs
  • Hotels, BnBs, hostels, campsites and boarding houses for commercial use
  • Caravan parks/sites for commercial uses
  • Bars and disco clubs, including bars in hotels and members' clubs
  • Outdoor and indoor markets
  • Car showrooms
  • Libraries
  • Auction houses
  • Community centres, youth centres and similar
  • Cinemas, theatres and concert halls
  • Hair and beauty salons, including piercing and tattoo parlours
  • Museums and galleries
  • Fitness studios, swimming pools or other indoor centres
  • Skating rinks
  • Bingo halls, casinos and betting shops
  • Arcades, soft play centres and similar
  • Spas

Big retailers closed before Boris Johnson's announcement

Several big-name retailers had already closed or were planning to close, before the government's decision (Monday, March 23).

Many said they decided to "protect" customers, workers and business in the longer run.

Some retailers closed before the government's new rules. Many are still selling online, paying personnel and offering deliveries.

John Lewis says the majority of its Staff moved to Waitrose as demand for supermarkets remains.

They also started to provide other services online, including nursery and wellbeing information, and craft and cookery classes offered by its Staff remotely or on one to one phone calls.

Clarks also said that Staff would be paid during the closure and people are still able to shop online.

Ikea also temporarily closed all its U.K. and Ireland stores. Customers are still able to browse and buy online, and have products delivered. They have set up virtual or remote kitchen planning services.

Debenhams announced the permanent closure of seven of its stores, and over 400 jobs lost after it went into administration.

The well-known retailer went into administration on April 9, putting a shadow for the future of 22,000 workers.

Time is running out

UK firms have often warned, to keep them in business as Covid-19 batters the economy. They are unsure on how to access the financial support promised by the government.

There's been confusion about whether They would be eligible for the grants available to small businesses.

Multiple firms said their local authorities were "in the dark" and not in a position to advise them on how to apply, or whether they even qualify for the business rates holiday proposed to the hospitality industry, reported by the BBC.

Struggling to pay salaries

Meanwhile The Institute for Fiscal Studies has warned that the support given by the government might not save jobs in the retail, hospitality and leisure industry.

Supporting employment lack a targeted package which involved targeted cuts to business national insurance contributions, a suspension in increases to the National Living Wage, and extended support for people through Universal Credit.

The hospitality industry could be condemned to death.

Pubs and restaurant are crying for urgent action to support the sector after Prime Minister urged people not to go out without ordering entertainment venues to close.

Just over two months ago, Britain was yet to see its first case of Covid-19. Now with around 140,000 cases and over 18,738 deaths, Britain has transformed following an unprecedented national shutdown.

Transport for London has closed 40 tube stations and is running a 15-minute service on some lines while advising people not to travel. Buses are also operating a reduced service.

The slowing of London's traffic is noticeable in the quality of London's air.

Air quality has improved in numerous U.K. cities, reflecting what happened in other nations that have limited travel and outdoor activities. This is essentially a result of lower traffic, and some of the clearest reductions come principally from vehicle exhaust.;

Under the new rules, people in the U.K. are only to leave their houses under a set of circumstances, such as needing to shop for necessities. You're only allowed to exercise once a day, and even then must stay at least two metres distant from other people. Daily life is looking very different.

People in London have seen the city empty out over just a few days. Streets and roads are empty; traffic is much quieter. Tourist locations usually rammed with people are now deserted.

People who would have crushed on you to get to a seat on the Tube now maintain their distance. More residential areas seem strange. People line up outside supermarkets. Cars are mainly parked. Ambulances pass more often. You notice things you never noticed before.

Streatham High Road, one of the busiest London roads connecting the heart of London to Brighton, is a definite symbolism of social distancing. If you wonder what it looks like, we are already living in it.

I have been documenting our new normal.

Here are some pictures of Streatham during Covid-19 lockdown.

St Leonard's church
Ockley Rd
ODEON Streatham High Rd
Tesco Local Streatham High Rd
line outside Lidl
Woodleigh gardens
Drewstead Rd
Amesbury Avenue
lark store - The High Parade
Estate Office Coffee
Leigham Court Rd
Sternhold Ave - Streatham Hill
Streatham Hill railway station
Streatham space project
railway bridge
Streatham Hill
the horse and groom pub - Streatham High rd
Streatham High Rd
M&S - Streatham High rd
esso garage

Stay Home - Save Lives

finance
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About the Creator

Anton Black

I write about politics, society and the city where I live: London in the UK.

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