Coronavirus Daily Update: Pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants and gyms to close at midnight

National & International:

The Prime Minister has announced that businesses such as pubs, cafes, restaurants and gyms will shut in order to further the fight against coronavirus.

Also, for the first time in history, the government have a blank cheque to pay the wages of British people effected by the closure of businesses.

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak says the government will pay 80% of wages for employees unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic, worth up to £2,500 a month.

Guidelines as to which parents will be entitled to childcare for their children - and which kids can still go to school during the shut-down were also released, with local councils setting part of the structures.

There have been 167 deaths in England from the coronavirus outbreak, as well as six in Scotland, three in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.

We are also being warned 'social-distancing' could last for nearly the rest of the year.

Meanwhile the death toll in Italy has risen by 627 - hitting 4,032.

And the borders between the USA and Canada and Mexico have suspended all non-essential travel.

In the North East:

As businesses begin to feel the squeeze - which for many have now been lessened due to new government actions - drastic measures have been taken by some.

This includes the Coylumbridge Hotel in Aviemore, where all staff had their contracts terminated, and were asked to vacate their residence:

Hospitality is just one of many industries caught up in the collateral damage of coronavirus - we found out how the fishing industry is getting on. For some boats, it's nearly business as usual, but shellfish vessels are finding it particularly challenging:

Something a bit more positive:

You won't be hearing the famous Thistle Windows jingle on Northsound this week - that's because the firm have gifted their air-time to the NHS and their plea for more blood donations:

We've also been hearing more about some fantastic community spirit:

And you can keep an eye on our Twitter thread where we've collected all the positive, and need-to-know stories:

Stay safe everyone.

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