A HEREFORD cafe will be closing its doors temporarily in a bid to help contain the coronavirus outbreak.

Ally Hardy, of Babar cafe on Union Street, said she had taken the decision in order to protect her family, staff and customers during a time of unknown risk.

"My husband Nick, son Charlie and I all suffer from asthma and this virus is one that attacks lungs by causing pneumonia and makes breathing difficult. I think we fall into the underlying issues bracket. Therefore I am not prepared to put my family at risk if I can help it," Mrs Hardy said.

"My view is that the government should be taking drastic steps to contain this virus rather than letting it spread before taking that action. I don't think the government are doing enough, and we are trying to do out bit to stop that from happening.

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"From the reading I have done, those countries in the far east who previously experienced SARS have dealt with this situation much more effectively because they haven’t messed about. They have taken steps to contain first by self isolating as much as possible and shutting schools etc for a couple of weeks.

"In that time of containment those who have unfortunately caught the virus can be treated and recover and the spread stalled."

Mrs Hardy said that she cannot be certain how long the cafe will be closed for but believes the decision to temporarily close the cafe is the right thing to do, despite the financial implications.

"We wish you all well and look forward to seeing you to hopefully celebrate when this is over," Mrs Hardy said.