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Daily Record
Daily Record
World
Sophie Law

Coronavirus: What are the rules for takeaways during lockdown?

The government ordered all non-essential shops to close last night during a countrywide lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus and told millions to stay at home.

A handful of supermarkets and food stores have been allowed to stay open during the outbreak - but many people have been concerned they may not be able to order a takeaway.

Luckily, it is still possible to get delivery food during the UK shutdown as long as eateries, drivers and customers follow government advice.

Here is everything you need to know about ordering a takeaway:

Will takeaways remain open?

Takeaways, such as Deliveroo, UberEats and JustEat, will continue delivering food to people told to stay at home.

A document released by the government read: "On 23 March the Government, stepped up measures to prevent the spread of  coronavirus and save lives. All non-essential premises must now close.

"Takeaway and delivery services may remain open and operational in line with guidance on Friday 20 March.

"Online retail is still open and encouraged and postal and delivery service will run as normal."

Last week, On Friday, Boris Johnson ordered all pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres and other sit-in venues to close their doors.

But restaurants and cafes were told they could remain open and continue to offer takeaway food and drink.

Rules on social distancing

Takeaways and deliveries can continue as long as people follow NHS guidance on social distancing.

This means reducing social interaction between people in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus, especially to those most at risk.

Most delivery companies are urging their drivers to stay at least two metres apart from people, including when they are waiting in a takeaway to collect an order.

And both drivers and customers are also being asked to keep the transaction contact-free.

Order takeaway by phone

People who wish to order a takeaway should do it by phone - whether that means using an app or calling up a rerstaurant.

The government's advice is that people can still get food delivered to them, but "ordering it by phone strongly advised".

A number of app-based companies, including UberEats and Deliveroo, have been adapting to the changes brought by Covid-19.

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