The Anglo-French giant, which owns B&Q in the UK and Castorama and Brico Dépôt in France, said that the measures, which followed a French government directive over the weekend ordering the closure of non-essential public space, would last until April 14.

Kingfisher said that all 28 of its stores in Spain have also closed until March 29, following the Spanish government’s declaration of a two-week state of emergency.