Flat pack furniture giant Ikea is to temporarily close all UK and Ireland stores until further notice - starting from 6pm on Friday, March 20.
Branches in 22 locations will shut their doors as the country continues to fight the deadly coronavirus - which has now claimed 128 lives in Britain.
IKEA had already closed its restaurants and cafés, but said it will now close fully in 'these extraordinary circumstances'. "Ikea UK & Ireland today announced that, as a precautionary measure against the ongoing risk of COVID-19, it will temporarily close its stores to customers at 6pm on Friday 20 March," a statement said. "In line with recommendations from local authorities, Ikea had already put additional precautionary measures in place, including