04:07

Rebecca Smithers writes:

Meanwhile, the British government’s new rules on ‘social distancing’ are now starting to have a huge impact on the high street, in addition to large-scale restaurant and pub closures.

The coffee chain Pret a Manger (which has 530 branches in the UK) has just announced that it is switching to a takeaway-only format from today, which means customers cannot sit inside to eat their purchases. It said that deliveries will continue through Deliveroo, “but the key priority is to try to reduce points of contact in shops and to miniimse the time it takes for people to get the food they need and leave safely and quickly”. Surplus food will continue to be donated to the homeless at the end of the day. And to help frontline healthworkers helping to fight coronavirus, it is offering free hot drinks and a 50% discount on all other purchases to NHS workers.

The department store Selfridges will close its four physical stores in London, Birmingham and Manchester from 7pm this evening, after initially saying it would shorten opening hours.

Selfridges (@Selfridges) To our friends and family,

An important announcement, made with love from Selfridges 💛 pic.twitter.com/OJJeUjRLX4

It tweeted that it had made the decision “with a heavy heart” but would continue online deliveries through Selfridges.com. It is understood that at least three members of staff have tested positive for coronavirus in its London flagship store on Oxford Street.

