ENGLAND is currently in the middle of its third national lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis, but some shops are allowed to stay open.
All businesses that are deemed non-essential must closed – this includes shops that sell clothes, toys and homeware goods.
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Covid restrictions have been tightened again at the start of the year
Non-essential retail isn’t expected to open until at least April 12 as part of Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown.
The roadmap out of lockdown will be done in stages, and is dependent on coronavirus cases remaining under control and the vaccine roll out staying on target.
See our box below for the four key tests the government must pass before each key date.
But for now, what businesses and shops can still stay open?
Which essential shops can open?
Essential retailers – for instance those that sell food, medicine or building supplies – have been allowed to stay open throughout the third lockdown.
For now, here’s the full list of essential businesses which the government has ruled CAN stay open.
Supermarkets
Pharmacies
Garden centres
Building merchants and suppliers of building products and 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
What about non-essential shops?
Non-essential shops and businesses must close – but they are still allowed to operate click and collect and home delivery services.
This includes shops that only sell clothing, toys or homeware.
If you shop online, keep in mind there may be delays to deliveries as many firms struggle to fulfil a rise in online orders.
The following types of retailers have been classed as “non-essential” and are therefore shut during lockdown.