The Welsh Government has announced a lockdown across Wales will come into force on Friday, October 23 at 6pm.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the fire-break is a time-limited lockdown and described it as a "short, sharp, shock to turn back the clock, slow down the virus and buy us more time".
As a result, all non-essential shops across Wales will have to close for the duration of lockdown. But it's left many wondering what it means for stores like B&Q and home variety retailers.
Earlier today B&M, Wilko, Home Bargains and Poundland shared their response to the lockdown in Wales. Now B&Q has confirmed it will remain open and outlined its strict social-distancing measures across all stores.
A B&Q spokesperson told WalesOnline: "As an essential retailer our stores in Wales will remain open.
"To reduce the risk of transmission, in line with Government guidance, we have implemented comprehensive controls and strict social-distancing measures in all of our stores.
"All stores have a marshal at the entrance of the store and to further support social-distancing, we have two-metre floor markers throughout the store as well as other point of sale. Perspex screens have been installed at the checkouts and our paint desks.
"We also have sanitiser stations to ensure trolleys are good to go and colleagues are on hand to remind everyone to stay safe and follow these guidelines.
"Customers can continue to place orders online for Click + Collect at their local store or for home delivery.
"Whether shopping in our stores or online, we continue to ask all our customers to shop responsibly and to follow the Government’s social distancing guidelines."
A statement on the Welsh Government website reads: "All leisure and non-essential retail will be closed. This includes clothes shops, furniture shops and car dealerships among many others. A full list of types of business required to close will be available in our guidance on business closures.
"Shops allowed to remain open include supermarkets and other food retailers, pharmacies, banks and post offices. However, wherever possible people should avoid unnecessary visits to these, and use alternative approaches such as online services and deliveries."
