Will takeaways have to close during lockdown? And if it's safe to get food delivered

Basic necessities include food and medicine - but can you still collect takeaway food or receive deliveries?

Here’s what you should know.

When are people allowed to leave their house?

Government advice states that “The single most important action we can all take, in fighting coronavirus, is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives.

“When we reduce our day-to-day contact with other people, we will reduce the spread of the infection.

“That is why the government is now (23 March 2020) introducing three new measures.”

These three new measures are:

1. Requiring people to stay at home, except for very limited purposes2. Closing non-essential shops and community spaces3. Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public

You should only leave the house for one of four reasons:

● Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible● One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household● Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person● Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home

These are the symptoms of coronavirus (Photo WHO)

Can I still get a takeaway?

The government announced on Friday 20 March that all restaurants and bars would close until further notice, with many of them being allowed to operate as takeaways.

However, chains including McDonald’s, KFC, Nando’s and Costa Coffee decided to close completely on a temporary basis.

Some takeaway and delivery services remain open and available, with the guidelines stating “Food delivery and takeaway can remain operational.”

Is it safe to get takeaway food amid the coronavirus pandemic?

The government is currently advising: “People can continue to enter premises to access takeaway services, including delivery drivers.