A HOST of big-name retail and food chains announced store closures over the weekend, following similar announcements from Topshop and New Look. Here’s a round-up of those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

McDonald's

All McDonald's restaurants in the UK and Ireland will close by 7pm on Monday to protect the safety of its employees and customers, the company said.

The fast-food company, which has 135,000 employees in the UK and Ireland, said it has taken the "difficult decision" in a statement posted to Twitter - adding that stores will close by that time on Monday "at the latest".

The decision comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for pubs, clubs and restaurants to shut on Friday, although he stressed they could continue with a takeaway service.

"This is not a decision we are taking lightly, but one made with the well-being and safety of our employees in mind as well as in the best interests of our customers," McDonald's said.

The Northern Echo:

"We will work with local community groups to responsibly distribute food and drink from our restaurants in the coming days.

"Thank you to our brilliant employees for their hard work during this incredibly challenging time.

"We look forward to seeing you all again as soon as it is safe for us to reopen."

Nandos

All Nandos restaurants across the UK and Ireland shut their doors on Sunday.

A statement on their website reads: "The safety and security of our customers and team is always our top priority and with this in mind we have taken the decision to temporarily close all of our restaurants across the UK and Ireland during the course of today, 22nd March, to help limit the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). 

"Eat in, takeaway and delivery for customers will all stop until further notice and our remaining food will be given away to those who need it most across the community."

Costa

Costa Coffee will close from Monday, March 23 but the company says it will do its best to keep stores in hospitals open.

Costa Coffee said: "Our number one priority is the safety of our store teams and customers. As the need to support social distancing increases, we have taken the decision to temporarily close our stores from this evening, Monday 23 March.

"We will do our best to keep Costa stores open in hospitals where we will continue to provide free takeaway coffee for the next two weeks to the NHS workers who are at the forefront of this crisis.

"Wherever possible, we will also keep our Costa Express machines available to serve you a great cup of coffee."

Primark

Fashion retailer Primark closed all 189 of its UK stores on Sunday evening.

Some 37,000 employees have been affected by the closures but will be provided with full pay for 14 days, the company has confirmed.

The Northern Echo: Primark's pants hangers could 'take somebody's eye out'

"Our main priority is the health and well-being of our employees," a spokesman for Primark said.

"Primark has committed to supporting all employees who are directly affected by store closures, with full pay for their contracted hours for 14 days, after which the situation will be reviewed.

"Primark will continue to closely monitor the situation, following WHO advice as well as local and national government guidance."

John Lewis

The John Lewis Partnership said it is the first time in its 155-year history that it will not open its shop doors for customers - but its online services will continue.

Kurt Geiger All 55 Kurt Geiger stores across the UK and Ireland shut on Saturday evening, with chief executive Neil Clifford saying he will suspend his own salary until stores open again.

HMV

Media retailer HMV said "with a heavy heart" it is closing, adding it kept its stores open for as long as possible because of "how much entertainment can support people during difficult times".

The Northern Echo: HMV to go into administration

Patisserie Valerie

Patisserie Valerie chief executive James Fleming said both its in-store and online services will cease as of Monday.

"This is unprecedented and never have I had to make such difficult decisions," he said.

"I do however genuinely believe that with the support and loyalty of our wonderful teams and guests, Patisserie Valerie will come back stronger and better than ever."

Timpsons

Timpsons chief executive James Timpson wrote on Twitter that stores will be going into "hibernation" but all colleagues will remain on full pay.