Coronavirus: Shops in Doncaster begin closing as COVID-19 lockdown grows

TK Maxx in the Frenchgate Centre was among the stores closed today – although there has been no direct order for shops to close at this stage.

A number of other stores across the town centre have also closed their doors in the wake of the growing COVID-19 crisis.

Last night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered all the UK’s pubs, restaurants and cafes to close their doors along with theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres.

Earlier in the week, people had been advised to avoid pubs and restaurants – but the PM has now told venues they must close their doors as the virus continues to spread and the death toll continues to rise.

People have been told to avoid unecessary travel on public transport and both bus and rail operators have reduced services as the UK moves nearer and nearer to a total lockdown like in many other European countries.

In Italy, Spain and France, all shops have been closed – with only food stores and pharmacies remaining open as people are told to stay at home.

Yesterday, all the UK’s schools closed their door indefinitely – and pupils have been told they may not be able to return to classrooms until September, although pupils of key workers will still be able to go to school to be taught by a skeleton staff.