ICELAND staff in Greater Manchester have introduced a surprising new rule in a bid to tackle the spread of the coronavirus.

A shopper at the Rochdale branch spotted a notice pinned to a door asking customers not to pay with cash that's been carried in bras, shoes or MOUTHS during the outbreak.

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1 The sign has gone up outside Iceland in Rochdale Credit: Twitter / Faycebuk

The handwritten note taped to the door of the branch reads: "Due to the nationwide corona scare, we won't be accepting money that has currently been in people's mouths, bras, shoes.

"Thank you. Iceland staff."



MILLIONS SENT HOME

The grim plea was spotted by Twitter user Elliot Eastwick, who snapped a photo of the message before sharing it on social media with the caption: "Never change Rochdale."

The tweet has attracted hundreds of comments, including one woman who said: "I went to a shop where the assistant had gloves on for virus protection.

The government says people should self-isolate if they have coughs or temperatures

"She said a guy was in earlier and when she explained why she had the gloves (handling money from unwashed hands being one reason), he LICKED HIS MONEY before handing it over."

But Iceland bosses say the notice was just a prank.

A spokesperson said: "This was an unauthorised sign that was put up as a joke and was swiftly removed by our store manager."

It comes as millions of people are sent home to work and major roads and railway stations are deserted as the government attempts to keep the deadly bug under control.

MORE WILL DIE

Yesterday, Boris Johnson warned "many more families" will lose loved ones to coronavirus.

The government has told anyone with a mild cough or temperature to stay at home for seven days following a COBRA meeting.

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The virus is thought to be transmitted between humans in droplets from coughing and sneezing, leading officials to urge members of the public to keep washing their hands.

To help prevent infection, do the same things you do to avoid the common cold such as using alcohol-based anti-bacterial soaps and sprays.

People should also avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth - and avoid contact with people who are infected.

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