Businesses across Whitchurch are feeling the effects of coronavirus; cafes are closing and live music events are being cancelled, and one owner is concerned for the safety of their staff.

Mark Steptoe, owner of Percy’s Café Bar, said that he has seen a decline in customers since news of the coronavirus outbreak and is concerned that it is his staff that will be put most at risk.

“We’re in a difficult position as a bar; as we’ve not been told to close, our staff have to come in and risk infection” he said.

“Whereas as the public make the choice whether or not to go outside – our staff have no choice. However with the pub industry, people will come out no matter.

“I personally think that all bars should shut and that the government should clamp down.

“Last weekend we had live music on but our numbers were down. I think our demographic is the type of people who would listen to advice not to go out, whereas the younger generation just go out regardless.

“We’ve had all our live music acts cancel this weekend, and between now and autumn we have 32 international bands booked – I wouldn’t be surprised if they all cancel. We’re in a very difficult position.”

Also in Whitchurch, one of the first businesses forced to close was Caru Coffi in Green End, who announced on Facebook that due to pregnant owner Rebekah Cummings being in the ‘high risk’ category, it was forced to shut its doors.

She said: “It is with great sadness that Tuesday, March 17, will be our last day of trade until safe to re-open once the risk of COVID-19 is under control.

“I am now in the high risk category with being pregnant and cannot risk contracting the virus so will be in isolation for the next few weeks.

“We want to keep our amazing team safe and sound we will be looking after them as much as we can. We also want to make sure that our supportive customers also stay safe in these uncertain times.”

The Wheatsheaf in Whitchurch is also looking to minimise risk for its customers by limiting the number of persons in the pub to 30.

In a statement on Facebook, the owners proposed some changes including asking customers to have the correct amount to pay with to minimise exposure to cash and offering hand sanitiser to everyone entering or leaving the pub and to those dining, while offering help and deliveries to anyone who needs it.

Meanwhile, libraries across Shropshire have postponed their events amid the coronavirus outbreak.

As well as all events being cancelled, Shropshire Council has decided that lending time has been extended from three weeks to six weeks, as well as allowing customers to borrow more items than usual.

The council has also states that overdue fines have temporarily been removed in light of the outbreak.