BUSINESSES in Worcestershire say they have begun preparations ready for if Coronavirus hits the county.

The government has said up to a fifth of the workforce may be off sick during the peak of a coronavirus epidemic in the UK, and revealed cases nationally had reached 85.

Although none have been confirmed in the county, businesses have begun to take action, just in case.

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A spokesman for Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce spokesman said: "The chamber continues to support local businesses in managing the implications and impact of the Coronavirus.

"We advise all businesses to follow public health guidance to make sure that they are up to date with the latest advice as the situation progresses.

"We ourselves are following the guidance, and the health of our staff, members and the local region is our highest priority.

"Companies should consider the potential impact that the Coronavirus could have on their operations, from shipping and travel restrictions to increased freight costs and supply chain disruption, and act now to mitigate any risks."

A Worcester Bosch spokesman said: “The health and safety of our employees is our number one priority.

"An interdisciplinary team of experts are constantly monitoring and evaluating the situation, and also liaising with authorities outside the company. We have various scenarios at our fingertips and are preparing accordingly.

"We are using our in-company networks, bulletin boards at our locations, and a hotline to keep everyone up to date with precautionary measures, travel advice, and WHO recommendations.

"We are also keeping our employees continuously informed about the situation and the latest developments.”

Tim Evans, from Toys and Games of Worcester, said they were not overly concerned at the moment, but were checking on the latest reports.

Mr Evans said: “We are a small team here but it is highly unlikely we would need to close the business, unless it was a worst case scenario with me, my wife and all the staff off. I think we would have to trade from the doorway, taking no cash and card only - but I don’t want to think about it happening.

"We do expect footfall to reduce at the moment.”

Readers have also been having their say. Tony Armstrong-Sly said: “Businesses that are run correctly will have a float put aside for any eventuality.

“I kept an emergency fund for over 45 years in business and it got me through on a few occasions. Badly run businesses will be hit hard.”

But Anna Marshall said: “More affected by the floods.”