Coronavirus: Gunwharf Quays sees more stores close as region's shopping centres react to social distancing

Prime minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that everyone in the UK should avoid non-essential travel and contact with others, as well as working from home where possible, to curb coronavirus.

A total of nine shops in Gunwharf Quays, which is home to more than 90 stores, have decided to close as increased social distancing comes into action. They include international brands Vans, Nike, and Timberland, as well as UGG Australia and Under Armour.

The shopping centre said it would continue to update its website as stores respond to the ‘very fluid situation.’

A spokeswoman said: ‘We have said from the start we would follow the guidelines from Public Health England.

‘We are using Facebook and our website to keep our customers updated.

‘And we are advising people who are taking a long trip to get here to phone ahead to see if the store they wish to visit is still open.’

But the centre was continuing to encourage shoppers to ‘get out and have a wander along the seafront and through Gunwharf Quays’.

The spokeswoman said: ‘Our guests are grown-ups - they are more than capable of making decisions about what they do.’

Cascades Shopping Centre, in Commercial Road, has seen several stores operate on reduced opening hours – but overall ‘it’s business as usual,’ according to Amy Grice, the centre administrator.

She said: ‘Stores including TK Maxx, Next, and Victory sport have reduced their hours at the beginning and end of the day.

‘They all taking it day by day as each day comes along.’

Ms Grice said the government’s advice had created a flurry of ‘panicking.’

She said: ‘There is not enough information at the moment – the phone is ringing non-stop.

‘As centre management, we are trying keep thing as business as usual – we are staying open until we are told to close.’

Fareham Shopping Centre, in West Street, has postponed two of its upcoming events, as well as closing the centre’s soft play and ping pong areas.

Both its Spring Soiree event, due to happen this Saturday, and the launch event of Fareham in Bloom, due to happen Saturday March 28, have been put on hold.

Manager Mike Taylor said: ‘We apologise for the closure and we hope to reconvene as soon as possible.

‘We will continue to respond to a still evolving situation.’

Concerns about contracting Covid-19 has led to Havant’s Meridian Centre witnessing a five per cent decline in footfall, according to centre manager Rob Fryer.

He said: ‘It’s reduced over the last couple of weeks.

‘Most centres would agree that we are going to see that reduce further. It’s business as usual.’

He added: ‘There will be difficult decision to be made in the next couple of weeks.’

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS