There was another dramatic government announcement today.

As a result gyms and leisure centres closed this evening. As have cinemas and theatres. The Abbey Cinema took the decision to close yesterday.

The White Horse Leisure Centre said ‘In line with Government instruction, we will be closing all of our Better Leisure Centres and Better Gyms across the UK at the end of Friday 20th March, 2020.’

‘The health and well-being of both our staff and valued customers is paramount. We have a social responsibility to everyone in the local community to take action to protect ourselves and others.’

Restaurants also closed this evening. Some will still provide a takeaway service.

The pubs closed. It was not like a normal Friday night and there were not a lot of people out. For people whose life revolves round the pub or gym it is going to be difficult.

Nobody knows when such businesses will reopen but the government will help by paying 80% of the wage bill so they have a better chance of reopening as going concerns.

Costa in Bury Street appeared to have removed its tables so that people can now only get take away drinks. Willows Shakeshop have closed ‘due to the coronavirus restrictions’ and ask customers to follow them on Facebook for updates.

There was a queue outside Boots, for the pharmacy, to get prescription, and pharmacy only drugs, or advice. Only a few people were being allowed inside at any one time. General shoppers appeared to be let in without such controls.

I was told that people can now only go into the doctors if they get a call to come in, and they are tested for symptoms before entry.

Avicenna Pharmacy was only allowing one person in at a time, and Jhoots Pharmacy only allowed three. So they both had queues outside.

Abingdon County Hall Museum has closed ‘due to the Coronavirus situation’.

Both Oxfam and the British Heart Foundation have closed all of their shops including the Abingdon ones.

The TSB in Abingdon has closed temporarily, but as it is due to close anyway that could be permanent.

Mostly Books are open, and are offering to deliver books free within a 5 mile radius.

Schools close from tomorrow for most pupils. The only pupils allowed to school will be the children of key workers, and pupils with Education and Health Care Plans.

Empty shelves have appeared in usually well stocked supermarkets in Abingdon. This supermarket in the town centre has sold out of toilet paper and kitchen rolls …

as well as paracetamols and other pain killers.

Some people could be stockpiling long-life food and cold remedies in preparation should they have to spend two weeks at home in self-isolation with Coronavirus. Others may just be stocking up as the shelves are emptying quickly and they don’t want to be caught short.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) has been installed at the Royal British Legion club in Spring Lane, Abingdon. It is the latest to be funded and provided by the Abingdon Lions Club.

Members of the Lions and the Royal British Legion were there for the official handover. Mr Stuart Jackson, of the legion, gave a short speech of thanks.

A member of the Lions then gave a demonstration of how to routinely check the device.

The AED can give an electric shock when somebody’s heart has stopped after a cardiac arrest. In case of emergency members of the public should dial 999 or 122 and get the code to access the AED. The AED will give further spoken and visual instructions.

The St John’s Ambulance have the youtube video above in case you ever need to use an AED.