The Prime Minister made the hitherto unseen decision to place the UK into lockdown as the coronavirus death toll climbed to 336. The unprecedented move will now force all non-essential shops to close – but has left many questioning what qualifies as an essential shop.

The growing number of deaths and staggering 6,650 cases of COVID-19 in the UK, added to the apparent disregard of social-distancing observed by Britons over the weekend, has led Mr Johnson to take drastic action.

Those who do not qualify as “essential workers” must now stay at home, with gatherings of more than two banned.

Now, only supermarkets, corner shops, hardware stores, chemists, petrol stations and newsagents are allowed to remain open during the lockdown.

The lockdown will last three weeks.

From there, the government will decided whether to relieve or intensify the stringent measures.

Currently, restaurants, cafes, including workplace canteens, must remain closed.

However, food delivery and takeaway services can remain operational.

Similarly, cafes and/or canteens at hospitals, care homes and schools can remain open.

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So too can services providing food and drink to the homeless keep their doors open.

Meanwhile, all retail outlets must remain in lockdown with the exception of supermarkets and other food shops, health shops, pharmacies including non-dispensing pharmacies.

Also allowed to remain open: petrol stations, bicycle shops, home and hardware shops, laundrettes and dry cleaners, bicycle shops, garages, car rentals, pet shops, corner shops, newsagents, post offices, and banks.

Outdoor and indoor markets must close, but market stalls which offer essential retail may stay open – fruit and vegetable stalls, for example.

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Hotels, hostels, BnBs, campsites and boarding houses for commercial use are to stay shut.

Though people who live in these places while their primary residence is unavailable may continue to do so.

And, key workers can continue to stay in hotels where required.

Caravan parks and sites for commercial uses cannot operate, though those who live there permanently may continue to do so.

Community and youth centres will also close their doors, though may be used to host essential voluntary and public services like food banks or homeless shelters.

And, places of worships have officially been told to close their doors, though may provide funeral services.

During the address, Mr Johnson said: “I know the damage that this disruption is doing and will do to people’s lives, to their businesses and to their jobs.”

He added: “At present there are just no easy options.

“The way ahead is hard, and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost.”

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