SOUTHAMPTON'S shopping centres have offically closed their doors to the public amid the UK coronavirus outbreak.

Westquay Shopping Centre and The Marlands Shopping Centre closed their doors this morning following the Prime Minister's announcement last night.

Boris Johnson announced last night that all non-essential shops are to close from this morning except for essential businesses such as food stores and pharmacies.

Due to the new restrictions, people will only be allowed to leave their house for; shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible; one form of exercise a day - for example a run, walk, or cycle, alone or with members of their household; any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person; and travelling to and from work, but only where it is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.

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In Westquay, the M&S food hall will remain open to the public, but all other shops, cafes, and restaurants will be closed until further notice.

A statement on the Westquay Facebook page read: "Let's do the right thing to help alleviate the spread of COVID-19.

"Think of others, be kind and reach out to any friends and family that may need your help. We'll be doing the same."

In The Marlands, One Below, Grapetree and Savers will fall within the essential stores category and will be open but their trading hours may be changed.

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In a Facebook post, the centre said: "Our site teams and retailers are working hard to help the local community, and we ask that visitors shop sensitively and respectfully.

"We all need to work together in order to keep safe and help alleviate the spread of COVID-19."

It comes just days after Boris Johnson advised that all bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, gyms and theatres should close amid the coronavirus outbreak.

In Southampton, huge names closed their doors to the public over the weekend to help tackle social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Stores such as TKMaxx, River Island, Victoria's Secret, Foot Locker and Urban Outfitters were closed with signs in the window explaining that they shall remain shut until further notice.

Cafes such as Pret A Manger and Starbucks were also closed as well as bars and pubs such as Yates, Scholar's Arms, and Grumpy Monkey.