Caffee Nero has announced it will shut all its UK branches in the next 48 hours due to the coronavirus crisis.
The major UK cafe chain will close its stores by the end of Wednesday, its founder and CEO Gerry Ford has announced.
He issued a statement to staff this afternoon to announce the news, before issuing a public announcement.
It comes just hours after Greggs, KFC and McDonald's all announced they are closing all stores across the UK.
Daily Star Online published a full list of stores and restaurants closing in the UK this afternoon due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Ford said the closure of all his Caffe Nero stores, which "must" happen, is to "ensure the safety and wellbeing of our baristas, customers and communities".
He said: “It is with a heavy heart that we have taken the decision to temporarily close all Caffè Nero stores by the evening of Wednesday 25th March until further notice.
"We have, over the last 22 years, dedicated ourselves to serve our local communities, but in the face of this unprecedented challenge, it is our belief that we have to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our baristas, customers and communities, and as such we must close our doors.
"Customers can of course still buy our coffee online to make at home and we will review our delivery and take-away service when possible.
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"We very much look forward to welcoming back our loyal customers when it is safe to do so.”
The closures come as the UK is reportedly set to be put into lockdown as thousands of Brits continue to defy social distancing advice.
The weekend saw Brits flock to tourist attractions and beaches to enjoy the sunny weather despite the government urging them to stay home.
It is predicted the government will order all non-essential shops to close next in its latest bid to avoid mass gatherings taking place.
- Coronavirus
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