BUSINESSES across the country once again have been forced to close their doors as the UK enters its third national lockdown.

The prime minister announced tough new restrictions, that will last until mid February, yesterday evening January 4.

People are now only allowed to leave their homes for specific reasons, including exercise, work, essential shopping and emergencies.

But what is still open under new restrictions?

The government has listed a number of special exemptions that sell or provide essential services or products.

Here are all the businesses and venues which can remain open:

● Tips and waste or recycling centres

● essential retail such as food shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, garden centres, building merchants and suppliers of building products and off-licences

● market stalls selling essential retail may also stay open

● businesses providing repair services may also stay open, where they primarily offer repair services

● petrol stations, automatic (but not manual) car washes, vehicle repair and MOT services, bicycle shops, and taxi and vehicle hire businesses

● banks, building societies, post offices, short-term loan providers and money transfer businesses

● funeral directors

● laundrettes and dry cleaners

● medical and dental services

● vets and retailers of products and food for the upkeep and welfare of animals

● animal rescue centres, boarding facilities and animal groomers (may continue to be used for animal welfare, rather than aesthetic purposes)

● agricultural supplies shops

● mobility and disability support shops

● storage and distribution facilities

● car parks, public toilets and motorway service areas

● outdoor playgrounds

● outdoor parts of botanical gardens and heritage sites for exercise

● places of worship

● crematoriums and burial ground

● Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to work. If you are looking to move, you can go to property viewings.