The Government has imposed sweeping restrictions on public life as part of a nationwide lockdown aimed at countering the Covid-19 pandemic.
For at least three weeks from March 23, Britons will be required to stay at home except for essential trips outdoors to buy necessities, exercise, provide assistance to the elderly and vulnerable, or travel to work and schools, where absolutely necessary. When outside, people have been told to keep at least two metres apart from anyone living outside of their household to ensure adequate social distancing is maintained.
As part of the extraordinary measures, all shops selling non-essential goods as well as leisure facilities, libraries, community centres, places of worship, hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts and campsites among other businesses and venues have all been ordered closed, barring in some exceptional circumstances. Restaurants, cafes and pubs will be permitted to offer customers delivery and hot food takeaway services.
Hairdressers, barbers, beauty and nail salons, piercing and tattoo parlours have all been ordered to close.
The moves follow an order by Government last week for bars, cinemas and theatres to shut.
Amid the widespread closures, here is a list of the shops and venues allowed to remain open during the lockdown:
Which shops are staying open?
Off-licences
Off-licences were added to the list on Wednesday amid reports some supermarkets were running out of beer and wine.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets throughout the UK are permitted to remain open for customers. Many have imposed rationing on products amid the Covid-19 outbreak, however, after a wave of panic buying and stockpiling last week saw several stores' shelves stripped of basic goods.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies will be allowed to keep their doors open in order to ensure people can obtain medicine as well as other health essentials during the lockdown.
Petrol stations
Petrol stations have not been ordered closed, partly due to the need to ensure key workers are able to access fuel if needed for travel to and from work and to take their children to school, as they are permitted to do.
Public toilets
Public toilets are allowed to remain open during the lockdown.
Banks
Banks will be allowed to continue serving customers in person, but many are encouraging people to use online and telephone banking services wherever possible, instead of visiting branches.
Car parks
Car parks are permitted to stay open as key workers are still making essential journeys to work.
Storage and distribution facilities
Storage and distribution facilities, including delivery drop off points, are allowed to stay open and keep services running as normal.
Post offices
Most post office branches remain open, with services running as normal.
Home and hardware stores
Home and hardware shops will be allowed to remain open as they stock essential materials and equipment that help keep homes warm, safe and with power.
Garages
Garages are allowed to remain open under the new restrictions despite MOTs for lorries, buses and trailers having been suspended for up to three months.
The government says these vehicles must be kept roadworthy during this period, while MOTs for cars, motorcycles and light vans are currently under review.
Vehicle rental services
Vehicle rental services will stay open, meaning people can still rent cars, vans or trucks for essential travel.
Vets and pet shops
Vets and pet shops will not be forced closed, meaning owners will be able to access healthcare, food and other essential items for their pets as needed.
Laundrettes and dry cleaners
Laundrettes and dry cleaners will be allowed to continue serving customers during the lockdown, provided requisite social distancing measures are observed.
Undertakers
Undertakers are permitted to remain open as funerals are allowed to take place, albeit likely with stringent restrictions. Weddings and baptisms are temporarily banned, however.
Market stalls
Market stalls which provide essential items such as food are allowed to stay open.
Newsagents
Newsagents and corner shops are allowed to remain open in order to ensure people have access to essential everyday items.
Bicycle shops
With some commuting allowed and one act of exercise in public permitted every day, including cycling, bicycle shops will be allowed to remain open to ensure cyclists can keep their equipment in good order and roadworthy.
Shopping centres
Shopping centres are allowed to stay open if they have retail units which offer essential services, such as food or medicine, or shops on this list.
