Market Hall at Preston City Markets to reduce its opening hours during coronavirus outbreak

The Market Hall at Preston Markets will be operating at reduced hours and both the Outdoor and Second-hand markets will cease trading until further notice.

Market Hall will reduce its opening hours from 8am – 6pm to 8am – 3pm Monday to Saturday from Tuesday, March 24.

This earlier closing time will enable traders to re-stock their stalls and efficiently complete home deliveries to people who are vulnerable or self-isolating.

In a joint statement, Councillor Brown, Leader of Preston City Council, and Councillor Robert Boswell, Cabinet Member for Environment at Preston City Council, said: “Firstly, thank you to everyone who has supported the independent businesses at Preston Markets during this difficult time of uncertainty.

"Preston Markets is adapting daily with the information published by the Government to ensure the safety of the traders and customers.

"We should all be proud of our Market Traders who have been adapting to the situation, while providing essential food products in a safe and friendly environment. The reduced hours of the Market Hall will enable the traders to provide vital home deliveries of fresh food to people who are currently self-isolating.

"When everything returns to normal, I hope the people of Preston recognise the value of Preston Markets and continue to support these independent businesses by shopping local.”

During these reduced opening hours customers are reminded to adhere to the social distancing rules outlined by the government to keep a minimum of 2 metres between each person.

To help protect members of the public due to the developing situation with Covid-19, the Outdoor and Second-hand Markets at Preston Markets will cease trading from Tuesday, March 24 until further notice.

As the number of cases of coronavirus in the UK continues to climb, the government is urging people to follow its guidance on social distancing in an effort to contain the spread.

The government is currently advising Britons to avoid unnecessary social contact and travel amid the health pandemic, but there are fears the country could be put under full lockdown if people fail to follow the advice.

Social distancing is hugely important as it effectively reduces further transmission of the virus, and also helps to lessen the strain on the already overstretched NHS.

While the virus can still be transmitted to others in a household, if those individuals all self-isolate it ensures the infection won’t be passed on any further, helping to significantly cut the total number of people who get infected and reduce the overall spread.