CORONAVIRUS: Leisure and beauty industry across Lancaster and Morecambe continuing to operate where possible

The health, beauty and leisure industry is likely to be among those hardest hit if the expected 'lockdown' is announced by the government in the coming days.

But for now, it's business as usual for many of those working in the sector across Lancaster and Morecambe - with all taking extra measures to ensure their staff and customers are kept safe.

In Lancaster, the Sun Hotel & Bar is open. They have thanked customers via social media for their ongoing support.

"We have also been overwhelmed with kindness by each message of encouragement and offers of help we’ve received by those who can’t visit at this time," they said. "Genuinely means everything to us all. We are still open, still smiling and will continue to be here until we’re told otherwise."

The pub is even looking into hosting a forthcoming quiz night online instead of at the Church Street venue.

The Royal Hotel & Bar in Thurnham Street is also open for business. They are offering gift vouchers to those unable to visit currently.

They said: "We are still opening and trading, and are so grateful to those of you who are continuing to visit us during what is an incredibly uncertain and difficult time for everyone.

"If you want to support us but cannot or do not wish to be inside the venue, you can purchase gift vouchers for food, drink and rooms to use at a later date. Gift vouchers purchased now will help ensure we can pay our staff, our bills and keep The Royal running."

English Lakes, who operate the Midland Hotel in Morecambe and the Lancaster House Hotel, are currently open for business.

They said the well-being and safety of their guests, visitors and employees is "of top priority".

They have taken extra measures across all of their hotels to ensure all guests and staff are kept safe, and are constantly monitoring the situation, and working hard to keep everywhere sanitised.

In Carnforth, The Canal Turn is open for business as usual with hand wash stations at all entrances and toilet exits.

However, some businesses have made the difficult decision to close their doors.

Yesterday it was announced that The Crown Bar & Bistro in Morecambe had shut until further notice.

The Crypt Cocktail Lounge & Eaterie at The Royal Kings Arms in Lancaster has also closed "following the latest government advice and for the welfare and safety of customersd and colleagues".

However, the hotel is still open for business and The Brasserie is open for evening meals.

Those wanting a little boost to get them through the coming weeks can still find numerous beauty salons continuing to operate.

At Jo & Cass in Lancaster and Morecambe, staff are working hard to keep the premises spotless.

The salons are being cleaned continuously throughout the day, with each station disinfected between every client.

All gowns, towels are being disinfected and washed after every client, and there are also disposable towels to use.

Anti bacterial wash and hand sanitiser are in use, and with all our stylists washing and sanitising before and after every client, as well as asking every client to use the handwashing facilities on arrival.

Simply Beauty in Dalton Square has said on Facebook: "Normality runs in the salon until the government states otherwise."

Similarly, JoJo Hair & Beauty in Penny Street said: "We are currently fully operational and are not planning to close unless the government insists. We are taking extra measures to ensure an exceptional hygienic and sanitary service and visit, as we have always done."

In Morecambe, salons continuing to open include Chapley's in Bare and Vogue Hair in Marine Road Central.

Vogue Hair said on Facebook: "In light of the current Coronavirus situation, Vogue Hair & Beauty would like all clients to know that we are taking a very serious approach to the current challenging times. We are following all government guidelines and are, as always, taking precautions.

"Please be reassured that the salon and all equipment is regularly deep cleaned throughout the day with bleach and antibacterial products, including areas which are regularly touched.

"All staff are taking personal hygiene seriously by following government guidelines to avoid catching or spreading germs.

"Antibacterial hand wash is available for use by clients visiting the salon, as is hand sanitising gel."

And Natalie Hamilton at Hamilton Hair in Morecambe said: "We are still open as normal, however we are allowing extra time between clients to fully disinfect all equipment and the salon/card terminal/reception area/reading materials/door handles between clients.

"We are also minimising the amount of people in the salon at any time to ensure clients are fully spaced out."