Coronavirus: South Western Railway cancelling services as Covid-19 causes staff shortages

South Western Railway (SWR) is preparing to implement an amended timetable.

A spokesman for the firm said: ‘Like most organisations, we're seeing more staff having to stay at home unwell.

‘That means we're having to cancel a small number of trains at very short notice.

‘We are trying to avoid this wherever possible and apologise for any inconvenience it causes and hope you understand.’

SWR operates services throughout the Portsmouth area.

By 9am on Wednesday, some 4 per cent of its trains were cancelled, according to the trains.im rail data site.

Demand for rail travel has collapsed due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said passenger numbers fell by a fifth last week.

Train operators have reportedly asked the Government to renegotiate their franchise agreements to allow them to run reduced timetables and make smaller payments.

Follow all the latest updates on coronavirus in 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.

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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