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PLENTY of shops have needed to shut throughout lockdowns throughout the UK to assist restrict the unfold of coronavirus.
However how have the Covid-19 restrictions affected charity outlets and may I nonetheless donate to Thoughts, Oxfam and British Crimson Cross? We clarify all it’s worthwhile to know.
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Oxfam is one charity store that has been pressured to close throughout lockdownCredit score: Jon Bond
Prime Minister Boris Johnson final week introduced a national shutdown to help stop the spread of coronavirus and save the NHS.
Are charity outlets open?
Charity outlets are labeled as non-essential, so all bodily shops have needed to near clients.
This consists of retailers comparable to Barnardo’s, Oxfam, Thoughts, Marie Curie, British Coronary heart Basis, British Crimson Cross and Sue Ryder.
It is just like the primary lockdown, which noticed all charity outlets closed for just a few months from March final 12 months.
Barnardo’s was then one of many first charity outlets to announce plans to reopen 70 of its 700 UK outlets in England from June 15.
Nonetheless, on-line clients are nonetheless in a position to store from Mind’s and British Red Cross’ eBay shops, for instance, whereas Oxfam has an internet store on its web site.
The supply charges on eBay fluctuate between objects, whereas Oxfam prices £3.95 for normal dwelling supply.
Can I nonetheless make donations to charity outlets?
Whereas charity outlets comparable to Thoughts, Oxfam and British Crimson Cross stay closed, you will not have the ability to make donations to them.
As soon as they reopen, you’ll be able to resume donating your objects however not in the identical means as earlier than.
The Charity Retail Affiliation (CRA) says donations shouldn’t be left exterior of store doorways or in doorways.
Donors can also be directed to “donation’” factors, comparable to empty outlets or warehouses, as an alternative.
Which means, like clothes returns, all donations could be quarantined for a minimal for 72 hours to cease the unfold of Covid-19.
Alternatively, some charity outlets might settle for donations for on-line gross sales, so ensure you examine their web sites.
If you would like to donate cash, most charities will allow you to do that on their web sites too.
Will there be social distancing in charity outlets?
Sure. Charity outlets, like different retailers, should meet certain government guidelines before reopening as soon as restrictions are eased.
This consists of putting in hand sanitiser stations for workers and clients and frequently cleansing surfaces.
Social distancing shall be in place exterior of the charity outlets and likewise inside shops.
Charity outlets can even cap the variety of individuals allowed in at anybody time, and buyers should put on face masks, until exempt.
Prospects are additionally being discouraged from picking up different items and placing them again.
We clarify the full list of essential shops that may open throughout the third lockdown.
Final week, the Covid risk degree moved into its highest degree for the first time ever.
The tighter restrictions come because the spread of the new strain of COVID-19 has led to “quickly escalating case numbers throughout the nation”.
