Strict new rules are now in force that limit what shops and services can remain open after the UK was plunged into lockdown.
The public were ordered to "stay at home" in order to "save many, many, thousands of lives", in a drastic announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday night.
Measures include non-essential shops being forced to close and access to open spaces restricted, reports Stoke-on-Trent Live.
Anyone caught breaking the guidelines can be fined by police and handed dispersal notices.
People will not be allowed to leave their homes except for:
- shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible
- one form of exercise a day - for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household
- any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
- travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home
The Government has outlined which stores can stay open as the country goes into full lockdown to curb the coronavirus pandemic in an unprecedented high street shutdown.
The shops that will remain open during coronavirus lockdown are
- Supermarkets
- Pharmacies
- Newsagents
- Pet shops
- Hardware stores
- Banks
- Post Offices
- Petrol stations
Under the new rules shops selling non-essential items, such as clothing, electronics and other premises such as libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, are to close immediately.
But retailers will still stay open for online orders and you can have items delivered to your home.
It is hoped the measures will prevent the spread of coronavirus and ease the burden on the NHS.
The Prime Minister said: "You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine — and you should do this as little as you can. And use food delivery services where you can.
"If you don’t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings."
