Chief Minister Howard Quayle is asking the public to avoid places where crowds can gather, including pubs, bars and restaurants.

But he said that the island’s schools will remain open, but this will be reviewed on a daily basis.

Mr Quayle said that his government is now working to ’suppress the spread’ after a second case of coronavirus was confirmed.

He said that the government is tightening its advice on social distancing which means ’advising people to avoid places where crowds gather’.

This includes pubs, bars, restaurants and clubs. However, like in the UK, Mr Quayle has not ordered an outright closure of such venues.

Mr Quayle added that Villa Marina and the Gaiety Theatre are to close with immediate effect. However, at the NSC only the spa, gym and cafe are to close, the swimming pool, squash courts, indoor and outdoor facilities remain open and all classes will continue as planned.

The Chief Minister called on sport groups and gyms to ’consider your position’ in regards to if they decided to remain open or not.

Meanwhile, people who can work from home, are advised to do so and the government has called on employers to make it as easy as possible for their staff to do this.

Mr Quayle said that public transport will continue to run to ensure those who need to get to work can do so.

However, adult social care services will be suspended except for emergency respite care.

Education, Sport and Culture Minister Dr Alex Allinson said that while schools are remaining open, parents can withdraw their children ’without sanction’ if they so wish.

If schools do close in the coming days or weeks, Dr Allinson confirmed that the government will ensure the children of key workers will still be able to attend school and those who rely on free school meals and extra educational support will continue to be supported.

He also called on students who have GSCE or A-Level exams due in the coming weeks, to continue studying.