COSTA Coffee and McDonald's have closed their doors this morning amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Both chains said they would be temporarily shutting stores in the UK, as retailers all over the country begin to deal with the fall out from the illness that has so far killed 281 people, with over 5,683 cases having been confirmed.

It comes after coffee chains such as Pret A Manger and Starbucks announced yesterday that they would be closing.

Costa had yesterday announced that it would remove seating areas from its stores, as well as implementing card payments only.

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In a statement Costa said it would continue to serve the community and would provide key workers with cans of coffee.

Nando's restaurants will also close today -as Primark and Timpsons announced similar measures in the battle against coronavirus.

McDonald's previously shut down the seating areas of its restaurants, but has now confirmed in a statement that all its eateries will close at 7pm on Monday.

The decision comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for pubs, clubs and restaurants to shut on Friday, although he stressed they could continue with a takeaway service.

Nando's followed suit and said it will temporarily close all its restaurants in the UK today 'until further notice'.

The chain has more than 400 restaurants in the country and said the decision was 'the best course of action'.

It came after Primark announced it would close all 189 outlets in the UK and Patisserie Valerie will shut all its stores and online services today.

Associated British Foods, which owns Primark, has already shut its 187 other venues across Europe and North America this week.

Pret A Manger chose to close all 400 of its UK stores, following a similar decision by coffee chain Starbucks, which has around 1,000 UK outlets.

And high street giant John Lewis decided to close all 50 of its stores from close of business tonight for the first time in its 155-year history.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund or call the team on 01273 409440 or email stephen. chamberlain@sussexgiving. org.uk