MCDONALD’S and Costa stores across the UK will be shut today.

The two chains announce they would close thousands of branches up and down the country in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.

“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,” a McDonald’s spokesman said. “We look forward to seeing you again as soon as it is safe to reopen.”

Costa said it would "do its best" to keep stores open in hospitals where NHS staff can continue to get free takeaway coffee for the next two weeks.

Self-serve Costa Express machines will also still be available "where possible".

Staff will continued to be paid their usual rate.