Barking and Dagenham Council is asking for your help to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus.   

Following the latest guidance from the government, a number of businesses should now be closed for the foreseeable future to make sure we’re doing everything possible to stop this virus spreading.  

As of yesterday (Tuesday 24 March), the only businesses that are allowed to remain open are supermarkets and other food shops, pharmacies including non-dispensing pharmacies, petrol stations, bicycle shops, home and hardware shops, launderettes and dry cleaners, garages, car rentals, pet shops, corner shops, newsagents, post offices and banks.  

Essential businesses that remain open must make sure there is a two metre separation in the premises and in any queues outside.  

Businesses such as takeaways must not have seating available for customers either inside or outside. This applies whether or not the seating is owned by the business operating. 

 A full list of businesses that should be closed.  

The council has powers to close businesses down that are not following the rules. If residents see a business open that shouldn’t be, they can report it to covidabuse@lbbd.gov.uk.    

Councillor Margaret Mullane, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “We’re facing one of the greatest public health emergencies of modern times and we need to all pull together as a community to beat it and unfortunately that does mean some businesses having to temporarily close.  

“If you see any of the businesses open that shouldn’t be you need to let the council know, as we have the powers to enforce and close the business down. We must not allow businesses to risk people’s health in a situation like this. 

“However, we know this is only a small majority of people and the council and I are so pleased with the response from the community and together we will get through this.” 

Unlimited fines are available to council enforcement officers to enforce on businesses who refuse to play by the rules and they have the powers to prevent them from operating illegally.   

Report a COVID-19 Trading Standards issue

Latest news on coronavirus from the council.