LIBRARIES, museums and archive centres run by Herefordshire Council will close on Friday due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Services will close until further notice in line with government advice and to ensure public safety, a spokesperson said.

Live coronavirus updates for Herefordshire

All sites will be closed to the public and all events and activities due to take place will be postponed.

During the closure, staff will be asked to work from home, work at the closed sites or potentially be redeployed to support the delivery of other essential council services.

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Councillor Gemma Davies, cabinet member for commissioning, procurement and assets, said: “Cultural services are at the backbone of our communities, serving some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

"For many, engaging with these services is vital for their health and wellbeing - both physically and mentally - and is key to the prevention of social isolation.

"In light of government guidance on social distancing and self-isolation, the need for cultural services in the next few months will be greater than ever.

“Over recent years the services have faced significant challenges with cuts to funding. These challenges have been taken head on with services finding ways to survive and thrive.

"This pandemic will be no different. Services will have to be delivered in a different way and this will take some time to finalise, so please bear with us for the interim period while this is agreed.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible staff, volunteers, ‘Friends of’ groups and users for their continued fight to keep cultural services at the heart of our communities. Your resolve never falters and I am proud to work alongside you.”