Lockdown: closure extended to hotels; takeaway and delivery remain open

Following strict new measures announced by the prime minister yesterday evening, the government has extended the closure of businesses to include hotels, while takeaway and delivery services may remain open.

Last week, the government ordered pubs, bars and restaurants to close. New guidance is now extending this requirement to businesses including hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks and boarding houses for commercial and leisure use - but excluding permanent residents and key workers.

The government has asked businesses not to open today unless exceptions apply. Cafes and canteens at hospitals, care homes or schools, prison and military canteens, services providing food or drink to the homeless and market stalls which offer food may remain open.

Earlier today UKHospitality advised hotels against accepting any leisure bookings and recommended existing holidaymakers consider if they can leave premises.

The industry trade body advised hoteliers to only accept business from key workers, those on essential business travel and vulnerable workers, adding that rooms may be required for those essential workers who may be unable to stay at their homes or are required to move around the country as need arises.

Many hotels, including the Savoy, Rosewood and the Ned in London, Watergate Bay in Cornwall and Gravetye Manor in East Grinstead, Sussex have already closed their doors.

Others including Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs' Stock Exchange and Hotel Football in Manchester, Best Western and the Town Hall hotel in London's Bethnal Green have opened their doors to NHS staff. More than 300 of InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) London rooms will be used to allow the homeless to self-isolate.

UKHospitality advises hotels against accepting leisure bookings >>