Addressing the nation on Friday, March 20, prime minister Boris Johnson ordered all non-essential shops to during a countrywide lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus and told millions to stay at home.

However, supermarkets and food delivery services have been allowed to stay open during the outbreak - to help residents access food.

It is still possible - and legal -  to get delivery food during the UK shutdown as long as eateries, drivers and customers follow government advice.

Here are the rules around takeaway deliveries during the lockdown period. 

Will takeaways remain open?

Takeaways, such as Deliveroo, UberEats and JustEat, are allowed to continue delivering food to people told to stay at home.

While restaurants and cafes were were told they could remain open and continue to offer takeaway food and drink.

Many national chains such as McDonald's, Burger King and Nandos decided to close their outlets as it was not possible to continue to safely be open during these times.

However, smaller chains and independents with smaller headcounts have remained open. So long as they operate within the government guidance, they are legally allowed to do so.

The government advice reads: "On March 23, the Government, stepped up measures to prevent the spread of  coronavirus and save lives. All non-essential premises must now close.

"Takeaway and delivery services may remain open and operational in line with guidance on Friday 20 March.

"Online retail is still open and encouraged and postal and delivery service will run as normal."

Basingstoke Gazette:

Why takeaways and delivery services must follow social distancing

Takeaways and deliveries can continue as long as people follow NHS guidance on social distancing.

This means reducing social interaction between people in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus, especially to those most at risk.

Delivery companies are now offering a 'no contact delivery service' which does what it says on the tin. Food and items are dropped off without any contact with others. 

Residents should order takeaways by phone

People who wish to order a takeaway should do it by phone - whether that means using an app or calling up a rerstaurant.

The government's advice is that people can still get food delivered to them, but "ordering it by phone strongly advised".

A number of app-based companies, including UberEats and Deliveroo, have been adapting to the changes brought by Covid-19.

Basingstoke Gazette:

List of businesses allowed to stay open 

Supermarkets and other food shops

Health shops

Pharmacies

Petrol stations

Bicycle shops

Home and hardware shops

Llaundrettes and dry cleaners

Garages

Car rentals

Pet shops

Corner shops

Newsagents

Post offices

Banks

Market stalls selling grocery and food