ALL non-essential shops will reportedly close next week, leaving only a small list of retailers open, including supermarkets and pharmacies.
The extreme measures are set to be announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson today, October 31, as Brits are urged to stay home to take the pressure off the NHS and help beat coronavirus.
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What shops will remain open?
It remains unclear exactly what the new lockdown will look like.
However, all areas across the UK are expected to enter Tier 3 — with some facing even stricter controls.
Under Tier 3 rules, people are banned from mixing with other households, either indoors or outdoors and including in pubs and private gardens.
Brits will only be able to go to supermarkets and pharmacists in a second lockdown.
However, banks and post offices are likely to stay open so the vital services they run can continue to be delivered.
What shops will have to close?
The lockdown would likely see all non-essential businesses close and people told to stay mostly at home.
However, there has been no official revealing of which businesses will need to stay open, or which will shut, as part of the plans.
Shops selling non-essential items include those selling clothing are electronics will close.
Other premises such as libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, are likely to close immediately.
Pubs and restaurants in England will also close.
Scores of shops and food chains will need to close including McDonald’s, KFC and Greggs.
Fashion chains like H&M, Next and Evans will also shut up shops.
You can find the full list of premises that have been ordered to close on the GOV.UK website.
In line with the UK’s first lockdown:
Anyone breaking the rules will be liable for fines from at least £30 – and up to £1,000.
SHOPS ALLOWED TO STAY OPEN
ONLY a small group of retailers will be allowed to stay open, they include:
- Supermarkets
- Pharmacies
- Takeaways and food deliveries
- Health shops
- Medical services – eg, dentists
- Vets
- Newsagents
- Pet shops
- Hardware stores
- Retail shops in hospitals
- Petrol stations
- Bicycle shops
- Laundrettes and dry cleaners
- Undertakers
- Banks, building socities
- Short-term loan providers, credit unions and cash points
- Storage and distribtion centres
- Post Offices
- Car rental services and car parks near vital services such as supermarkets
- Public toilets
- Car garages and repair shops
- Food banks and shelters
How long will the second national lockdown last?
The new measures are expected to last for a month.
A lockdown could begin as soon as Monday — and last until December.
Different regions would reportedly be allowed to come out of the national lockdown at different points under tiering measures and depending on the rate of infection.