Coronavirus: Non-essential shops shut as PM orders lockdown

Boris Johnson said that retailers such as fashion and electricals chains, who do not sell essential products such as food and medicines, must close as the UK enters lockdown.

Businesses that will not be forced to close include grocery shops and market stalls, pharmacies, petrol stations, homeware stores, bicycle shops, pet shops, Post Office branches and restaurants and cafes, which can continue to operate takeaway services.

But any shopping trips should be made as infrequently as possible, Johnson said, as he urged people to use online alternatives where they can.

People may only leave their homes to travel to and from work where “absolutely necessary”, to shop for essential items, to exercise once a day or for medical reasons.

Police have been given powers to enforce these strict new measures, either through fines or by dispersing gatherings of people.

Johnson’s statement to the nation from Downing Street came as the UK death toll hit 335.

The prime minister described the coronavirus pandemic as “a moment of national emergency” and said staying at home was necessary in order to save lives and protect the NHS.

A number of the UK’s biggest high street names had already moved to close their stores ahead of the prime minister’s announcement.

Next and Greggs became the latest to reveal their plans to shutter stores earlier on Monday evening, following similar moves from the likes of John Lewis, Ikea, Primark, New Look, TK Maxx, McDonald’s, Pret a Manger and Costa.

British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Retailers understand the need for government to act quickly and decisively to protect public health and combat coronavirus.

“The safety of customers and staff is paramount, which is why retailers have responded swiftly and positively to evolving government guidance on social distancing and other hygiene matters. Indeed, many retailers had gone further and already closed shops temporarily.

“Others have continued to provide essential products and services to their customers, both from physical stores and online. Any retailers that remain open will be following the very latest government public health guidance to ensure they do everything they can to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

“The public also has a vital role to play in maintaining lifesaving social distancing practices, both in and out of stores. We must all be considerate of the needs of those around us, and respectful of the retail staff who are working round the clock to put food and other essential items on our shelves and into our homes.”