Holiday resort chain Butlin's has announced it will temporarily close all three of its sites for a month over the coronavirus pandemic.
The news comes as confirmed cases of the new coronavirus topped 200,000 worldwide, it was announced on Wednesday, as the death toll in the UK yesterday rose to 71.
The company runs resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness.
The company moved to reassure anyone currently on holiday with them that their breaks have not changed at all.
In a statement on Wednesday, Butlin's said: "We know you have concerns about the current Coronavirus situation and the Government’s latest directive about public gatherings and avoiding pubs, clubs and cinemas.
"While this is obviously disappointing news for everyone, we’d like to reassure you that the safety and wellbeing of our guests and team is our number one priority.
"Therefore, we have taken the decision to temporarily close all three resorts from Friday March 20 to Thursday April 16, 2020.
"If you have a break booked within this period, we ask for your patience as we prioritise those guests who have a booking within the next 14 days. We will be contacting everybody who has been affected.
"If you have questions regarding your break outside of these dates, please do not try and call us at this time as we are experiencing high volumes.
"If you’re currently on holiday with us, your break has not changed at all. If you have any questions, please go and visit our team who are on hand to help.
"We hope you understand this decision has been made with the interest of your wellbeing and that of our team."
Butlin's added that anyone with a holiday booked with them can keep up to date with the latest information on its website.
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- Coronavirus
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