Coronavirus: The Portsmouth restaurants, pubs and cafes still going amid uncertainty

A number of restaurants, pubs and bars are staying open for business despite government guidelines encouraging people against social situations.

Places that are staying open include The Greenwich Brewpub in Osborne Road, Southsea, The Merchant House in Highland Road, Southsea, Forty-6 in Osborne Road, Southsea, Becketts in Bellevue Terrace, Southsea, Koop + Kraft in London Road, Cowplain and The Akash in Albert Road, Southsea.

Terence Carvalho, general manager at Becketts said: ‘We will continue trading from all fronts. Bar, restaurant and hotel. We have a duty to our loyal customers of Portsmouth and they've shown us great support so far. We have put extra measures in place to ensure all staff and customers are kept safe during their visits with us. It's extremely important during these difficult times that our community still has somewhere they can go where they can eat, drink and stay.’

Some businesses have moved to take-away only options, to allow themselves to remain open while reducing social contact.

Hideout Coffee Company, in Lord Montgomery Way, Portsmouth has moved to take-away only.

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Owner Ross Shackleford said: ‘It is going to be hard on businesses like us, so at the very least we are still open so we can survive it but having the take-away only option also makes everyone feel safer. People are still getting the service they want and we are going to do this until we get told otherwise.

‘It is a pain because we are still building our brand, it is a bit of a road bump, but we will get through this, I believe Portsmouth has such a great community spirit.’

Faz Ahmed, who owns the Akash says that the restaurant is remaining open for business so support the staff.

He said: ‘I’ve run this restaurant for 12 years and I’ve never seen anything like this.

‘We have a moral duty to our workers - they have mortgages to pay and families to provide for.

‘It’s tough when the Prime Minister tells people not to come to restaurants, but we will still be open until the government says we have to lock our doors.’

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