Coronavirus: Portsmouth's Wedgewood Rooms closed for 'foreseeable future' due to Covid-19 outbreak

The Wedgewood Rooms in Albert Road, Southsea, has not set a date for when it will re-open.

On Monday the Prime Minister advised that people avoid all pubs, clubs and theatres as well as non-essential social contact to help fight the spread of covid-19.

In a post on social media, The Wedgewood Rooms said: ‘In light of recent recommendations from the government, and concern for our staff and customers we have decided to pause all events here at The Wedgewood Rooms with immediate effect, and for the foreseeable future, until we have all weathered the incoming storm.

‘We will obviously be monitoring how things progress and will take the appropriate action and advice from the professionals and will keep you informed.

‘We are currently working to reschedule as may shows as we can, on a show by show basis. Unfortunately some of the shows may well be cancelled completely.’

The post continues: ‘For those of you who have offered help and financial/fundraising support a very large thank you.

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‘For the time being the best way to support us is to come to shows when we are through the other side.

‘At the moment there are many independent businesses that need your support as they are still trading, please support them.

‘Whilst we are closed for shows we will be trying to find a use for the building that can benefit the community along with deep cleaning and redecorating.

‘We are determined to get through this and return when safe to do so.’

The Wedgewood Rooms will be sending out weekly bulletins and updates about specific shows to keep people informed – these will be sent out on a Monday afternoon.

For all the latest coronavirus updates follow our live blog here.

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.

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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