Off-licences are now included in what the government deems are businesses essential in keeping the country running as it tries the slow the spread of coronavirus.

They were added to the list of shops allowed to stay open after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered pubs and bars to close earlier this week.

The updated list added licensed shops selling alcohol, including those in breweries.

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Business that can stay open also include corner shops, pharmacies, supermarkets, hardware stores, banks, petrol stations and bike shops.

Mr Johnson had ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses on Monday night, bringing the UK into lockdown in a bid to ease pressure on the NHS.


Pubs, bars and restaurants had already been told to close up to stop people congregating and mixing.

Also closed are places of worship - except for funerals - with libraries, museums, galleries and bingo halls also doing their bit to stop people spreading the virus.

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On Wednesday, the number of people who have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus increased by 43 to 465.

It represents the smallest rise in the number of deaths since 17 March - more than a week ago.

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But there was the biggest increase in the number of infections across the UK - up 1,542 to 9,529.

Among those confirmed to have tested positive is Prince Charles, whose diagnosis was announced earlier on Wednesday.