TODAY, hundreds of businesses across Southampton and Hampshire have reopened for the first time this year - including pubs, gyms and hairdressers.

It is another step towards normality with the chance for many of us to do the things we’ve missed over the past few months.

As well as hairdressers, pubs and gyms, non-essential retailers are also allowed to welcome customers through their doors once again.

It comes after Boris Johnson announced the second stage of his road map out of lockdown will go ahead as planned during a Downing Street press conference on Easter Monday.

The Prime Minister unveiled his four-stage plan to lead the country out of a third national lockdown in February.

Pupils across England returned to the classrooms on March 8 in the first stage of Mr Johnson’s plan to lead the country out of lockdown.

On March 29, groups of up to six people were allowed to gather outside in parks or public gardens ahead of Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts returned, as well as organised adult and children’s sport including grassroots footballand golf

The “stay at home” order ended, and the Government encouraged people to stay local where possible instead.

The main focus of the Prime Minister’s Downing Street press conference was to confirm that stage two of the road map - which begins today.

People across England are now able to enjoy a number of freedoms they have had to go without for months.

Here is a full list of businesses allowed to reopen from today:

  • Clothing shops
  • Homeware shops
  • Toy shops
  • Vehicle showrooms (other than for rental)
  • Betting shops
  • Tailors
  • Tobacco and vape shops
  • Electronic goods shops
  • Mobile phone shops
  • Auction houses (except for auctions of livestock or agricultural equipment)
  • Pubs (outdoor service only)
  • Restaurants (outdoor service only)
  • Hairdressers
  • Gyms (indoor exercising - but no classes)
  • Beauty salons
  • Spas
  • Libraries
  • Theme parks
  • Drive-in cinemas
  • Drive-in performances
  • Zoos
  • Community centres