intu has said it will keep its shopping centres open despite the coronavirus outbreak.

But the shopping centre giant says it has "adjusted the core hours that stores can operate" in its centres.

This means that individual retailers, restaurants and leisure facilities can reduce their opening hours, but the centres themselves will open and close at the usual time.

intu, which has one of its centres in Watford, says it made the decision "in light" of the latest Government advice and in consultation with its brands.

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This includes advising people against going to gatherings and crowded places, such as pubs, clubs and theatres.

A spokesperson from intu said: "We are focused on supporting the brands that operate in our centres by providing them with greater flexibility, whilst also serving our communities and ensuring people have access to important services and essential items.

"These are unprecedented circumstances and we are doing our best to operate key services in a safe and sensible way. Precautionary measures are in place across all our sites and we would encourage everyone to use the hand sanitisers and cleansing wipe stations that have been installed throughout our centres. We’re also deep cleaning high footfall areas much more regularly.

"We are following the official guidance very carefully and doing everything we can to support our employees in these challenging times."

As of 9am March 18, 2,626 people across the UK have tested positive for coronavirus, up from 1,950 at the same time on Monday, according to the Department for Health and Social Care.

A total of 56,221 people have been tested in the UK, with 53,595 negative results.