Ikea made the announcement today and said all its stores in the UK would be temporarily closed to customers from 6pm on Friday, March 20.

The retailer said it had already closed all restaurants and cafes on its sites, added enhanced cleaning routines and closed outside playground facilities, but retail manager for the UK Peter Jelkeby said the decision was to protect staff and customers.

“These are extraordinary times, and our absolute priority is to ensure the health and safety of our customers and co-workers,” he said.