TOP music venues have closed after the Prime Minister told everyone to avoid pubs, clubs and theatres in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.

Russell Haynes, boss of Concorde 2, said he has had to shut the venue amid the ongoing crisis which has also seen universities suspend lessons and the closure of Brighton College.

The Brighton seafront venue managing director, who is working to reschedule events, said: “I knew the writing was on the wall last week, we have had lots of enquires from the general public, sales were down and we had some last minute cancellations due to coronavirus.

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“We are asking people not to stampede for a refund as we are trying to reschedule events, so see if the new date works with you.

“It feels odd, I was saying to my son that we have a 300 grand PA system, 50 grand lights, amazing staff who have been there for 15 years and we are shut because of a virus.

“The amazing infrastructure has ground to a halt and I don’t know what the answer is.

“If the government are advising people to avoid pubs, clubs and restaurants, am I being irresponsible by telling people to come down to a funk and soul night next weekend?”

In a afternoon address to the nation, the Prime Minister set out the need for “drastic action” to tackle the “fast growth” of coronavirus across the UK as increased social distancing measures are introduced for the population.

As part of the measures, anyone living in a household with somebody who has either a persistent cough or fever must now also isolate themselves for 14 days.

All people should avoid gatherings and crowded places, while people who are vulnerable - including those are elderly - will need to undertake even more drastic measures.

Brighton Dome said tonight: "Following the UK Government’s new advice today to the public to avoid contact in social spaces including theatres, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, Brighton Dome will be temporarily closed for events with effect from Tuesday 17 March 2020."

In a dramatic escalation of the Government’s response, Mr Johnson said all members of the public needed to take extra action.

“Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel,” he said.

There have now been 55 people who have died from the disease called Covid-19.

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The number of confirmed cases in Brighton and Hove remains at ten. Other venues have said they are looking to remain open.

Conor Harrison, general manager of Beer Haus in Edward Street, Kemp Town, said: “We want what is best for people and for people to be safe, so obviously it is up to people’s personal choices if they want to come.

“We are going to stay open for as long as we can and follow the guidelines.

“These are unprecedented time we are living in.”