HARDWARE and DIY shops can stay open during the third coronavirus lockdown in England.
The Prime Minister announced the national shutdown this week to help stop the spread of coronavirus and save the NHS.
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As a result, all non-essential shops and businesses must close until at least mid-February.
Where non-essential retailers aren’t allowed to keep their physical stores open, they can still sell things online for delivery and click and collect.
But some stores that the government deems “essential” are allowed to stay open for browsing, including supermarkets, DIY shops and garden centres.
We’ve listed all essential shops and businesses allowed to remain open below.
Which businesses can remain open in lockdown?
THE government has published the below list of businesses that can stay open, which is largely similar to Tier 4.
- Supermarkets
- Pharmacies
- Garden centres
- Building merchants and suppliers of building products
- Off-licences
- Market stalls selling essential retail
- Businesses providing repair services but only if they primarily offer repair services
- Petrol stations
- Automatic (but not manual) car washes
- Vehicle repair and MOT services
- Bicycle shops
- Taxi and vehicle hire businesses
- Banks and building societies
- Post offices
- Short-term loan providers and money transfer businesses
- Funeral directors
- Laundrettes and dry cleaners
- Medical and dental services
- Vets and pet shops
- Animal rescue centres, boarding facilities, and animal groomers
- Agricultural supplies shops
- Mobility and disability support shops
- Storage and distribution facilities
- Car parks
- Public toilets
- Motorway service areas
- Outdoor playgrounds
- Outdoor parts of botanical gardens and heritage sites for exercise
- Places of worship
- Crematoriums and burial grounds
Will B&Q, Homebase and Screwfix remain open?
B&Q, Homebase, Screwfix, Toolstation and Wickes have all confirmed to The Sun that they’ll keep their stores open during the third lockdown.
It comes after they all did the same during the second lockdown last year.
But it’s still worth checking ahead that the store you want to visit is open and what the hours are – as opening times are subject to change at the moment.
You can use their respective store finder tools online to see the latest shopping hours.
Shops have social distancing and other safety measures in place to keep shoppers safe.
You will have to follow these rules if you go to a store, for example, you’ll have to wear a face mask and observe social distancing.
For those who prefer to shop online, you’ll typically still be able to click and collect and get home delivery services.
Wickes, for example, is encouraging customers to use its click and collect and home delivery services where possible.
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We explain the full list of essential shops that can open during the third lockdown.
Earlier this week, the Covid threat level moved into its highest level for the first time ever.
The tighter restrictions come as the spread of the new strain of COVID-19 has led to “rapidly escalating case numbers across the country”.
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