Boris Johnson is considering legislation to force all non-essential shops to close as the government attempts to contain the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
Pictures over the weekend of crowded parks and holiday spots despite repeated request for people to stay at home and keep at least 2 metres apart have reportedly infuriated the government.
More draconian measures to curb people’s activity are said to be under serious consideration with restrictions also to apply to stores.
The BBC added that Boris Johnson is said to be discussing whether opening a non-essential shop or even people going out and mingling should be considered an offence.
Several retail chains announced today they were closing their doors temporarily including John Lewis, Card Factory and Primark, which is owned by Associated British Foods PLC (LON:ABF).
Most fast food and coffee chains also said they would not be re-opening after tonight, with McDonalds, Nandos, Subway and Costa Coffee all saying they would close.
Restaurants were allowed to carry on takeaway business after Friday’s enforced closure of pubs, restaurants and entertainments venues.
However, some retailers have said they will remain open with newsagent WH Smith PLC’s (LON:SMWH) chief executive Carl Cowling vowing to keep its 1,200 stores as it is an ‘essential retailer’.
Staff at WH Smith expressed concern about how busy the shops were over the weekend, reported the Guardian.
Kingfisher (LON:KGF) also said it intends to keep its UK stores open even though it has shut down 221 outlets in France and 28 in Spain.
The B&Q and Screwfix owner said it will continue to sell electricity, heating, plumbing and other home essentials with restrictions on the number of shoppers and protective measures at checkouts.
Online home delivery and click & collect capacity are being beefed up including via a new 'drive-through' option, the Anglo-French group added.
Costa Coffee, meanwhile, said it would try to keep its outlets in hospitals open and give free coffee to NHS workers.
Kingfisher shares rose by 12% to 142p while WH Smith was down 8% at 870p.