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.
Hardware shops, such as B&Q, are allowed to stay open during the second lockdown
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.
B&Q, Homebase, Screwfix, Toolstation and Wickes have all confirmed to Trending In The News 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.
Yet it’s 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.
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.
Wickes, for example, is encouraging customers to use its click and collect and home delivery services where possible.
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”.
