The QD - QualityDiscounts.com store in Oakham is to carry on opening.

After Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night announced a partial lockdown of the country, the Norwich-based retailer confirmed its stores will remain open for the supply of essential goods, including food and drink, toiletries, essential household products, medicine and pet food.

However, extra precautions are being put in place to ensure that staff and shoppers are protected.

Today, QD said its stores would remain open, including the Oakham branch in Church Street, as it is classed as an essential service retailer.

Karl Ottolangui, group operations director for QD said: "Our stores are permitted to remain open following instructions from the UK Government. However, our priority is the protection of our staff and, to that end, measures are being put in place at all tills and other areas where staff and customers interact to ensure social distancing.

"Our customers have, not surprisingly, been highly receptive to social distancing measures and these will be stepped up at all our stores to continue to keep ours staff and our customers protected. We echo the Government's message in urging everyone to stay at home unless they absolutely have to go out to shop for essential items."

Over the last week, the company has closed all their coffee shops, play barns and play centres but all stores have remained open.

QD group chief executive, Nick Rubins, said: "This is a very challenging time for everybody as we are all worrying about our own health, our families' health and our jobs. Proud is an understatement of how I feel about the QD team.

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"I would like to thank our staff for their continued hard work to provide our loyal customers with vital everyday items during this challenging time."

QD stores will retain current opening hours but are monitoring the situation daily.