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Many of the National Trust's parks and gardens will be open to the public for free over the next few weeks, but its indoor spaces will be closed.

The move is in a bid to help the nation fight the spread of the coronavirus.

Following the Prime Minister’s briefing yesterday (Monday), the trust's director general Hilary McGrady said its pay-for-entry sites including houses, cafes, restaurants and shops, would close by this Friday (March 20).

She said the charity would be working to keep as many of its gardens and parklands open, free of charge, alongside coast and countryside.

It is in a bid to encourage the nation to enjoy open space where appropriate during the pandemic, while adhering to the government’s social distancing guidance.

She added: “The National Trust was founded 125 years ago for the benefit of the entire nation. We want to honour our mission – to enable people and nature to thrive.

"Over the coming weeks we will do all that we can to keep on providing public benefit through caring for places and giving people access wherever possible.

“While we will close our indoor areas to help fight the spread of coronavirus, we recognise that people are likely to need access to open space and to nature, beauty and history."

NHS coronavirus advice - the facts COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus. Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms Stay at home for 7 days if you have either: a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back

a new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home. Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you're staying at home. Read our advice about staying at home. Urgent advice - Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if: you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home

your condition gets worse

your symptoms do not get better after 7 days Use the 111 coronavirus service Only call 111 if you cannot get help online. How coronavirus is spread Because it's a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person. Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food. How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus Do wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

always wash your hands when you get home or into work

use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

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 wash your hands afterwards

try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell Don't do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

Earlier the trust said it was reassuring staff, volunteers and visitors that their health and wellbeing is top priority.

Prior to the Prime Minister's announcement about avoid unnecessary travel or gatherings, the trust said it was "planning ahead, staying vigilant and continue to follow government advice".

How to sign up to National Trust The National Trust looks after more than 500 places across the UK which includes some of the best beaches, parks, forests and wildlife areas in the country. For a monthly or yearly fee you can enjoy as much of it as you like when becoming a National Trust member. Individual memberships are priced at: Adults (aged 26 and over) - £69 a year, or £5.75 a month

Young person (aged 18-25) - £34.50 a year

Junior (aged 0-17) - £10 a year Join here Here's what you get: Free entry to over 500 special places

Free parking at most National Trust car parks

National Trust Handbook full of ideas to help you plan a visit

National Trust Magazine sent to you three times a year

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“We are making contingency plans and working closely with partner organisations to ensure we can respond to a range of scenarios as they unfold.

Latest government information on coronavirus can be found on the Department for Health and Social Care’s website.