What places have shut in Edinburgh? These are the bars, cinemas, shops, tourist attractions and more that have closed due to the coronavirus outbreak

With confirmed cases of the Covid-19 strain of the coronavirus continuing to rise, it’s not just large scale events and gatherings that are being cancelled – businesses from local shops to giant chains have been forced to close their doors as well

These are the venues that have shut in response to the Covid-19 outbreak (Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

A number of restaurants, bars, shops, cinemas and entertainment facilities across Edinburgh are choosing to shut after seeing a decline in business caused by the global health emergency.

These are the places in Edinburgh that have closed their doors - and when they might reopen.

Entertainment venues

These are the symptoms you need to look out for (Photo: WHO)

Various entertainment venues across Edinburgh have closed their doors in accordance with the UK Government and Scottish Government’s public health advice.

Various theatre venues around Edinburgh have cancelled and postponed shows, closing their doors to the public.

These include The Playhouse, The Festival Theatre, the King’s Theatre, the Usher Hall, the Queens Hall and the Royal Lyceum Theatre.

Similarly, The Stand Comedy Club has cancelled all shows in Edinburgh until Monday 13 April.

Cinema chains across Edinburgh have followed suit, with Cineworld, Odeon and Vue closing until further notice.

Independent cinemas are also closing their doors, with The Filmhouse on Lothian Road announcing today (Wednesday 18 March) that they would be closing effective immediately until further notice.

Alongside this announcement, The Filmhouse also revealed that the 74th Edinburgh International Film Festival in June would also be postponed.

Shops and services

On Princes Street, tech giant Apple has closed its doors to the public until 27 March, according to an announcement from Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook.

The Portobello Bookshop announced that from 6pm today until at least April, their doors would be closing in a bid to help prevent the spread of the virus.

In the announcement from the Portobello Bookshop, they said: “Please note that if you have orders for collection we will be here setting up our online store and you can still knock on the door and we’ll bring your books out to you.

“We are hand delivering as many customers orders in our local area as possible, and are also happy to post orders out.”

Unknown Pleasures, a CD and record shop, is also closing its doors to the public.

The Edinburgh Tool Library has also suspended all services and is closed to the public until further notice. Stills: Centre for Photography, is also shutting its doors.

Rock n Rose hairdressing has also closed their Meadowbank salon as well.

Due to Covid-19, Edinburgh Leisure is also closing all of its venues and golf courses from Thursday 19 March until further notice. Those with direct debit memberships with the company will see their payments automatically frozen.

Public buildings and tourist attractions

The National Museum of Scotland also said that in response to the Covid-19 outbreak that they would also be shutting down from Tuesday 17 March until further notice.

The national collections within the museum’s care will continue to be monitored and made secure during this time.

Edinburgh Castle has also gone into lockdown mode, with all planned public events postponed until further notice, as has the Scott Monument.

The Edinburgh buildings of the National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge and Causewayside will be closed to the public from 5pm today (Wednesday 18 March). This closure will be effective until further notice.

Similarly, the National Records of Scotland has closed.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is also closed until further notice.

Royal Yacht Britannia has also closed its doors to visitors.

Edinburgh Airport also announced that it is to be partially closed as flights are expected to reduce to “virtually zero”.

Pubs and restaurants

The Mash Tun on Easter Road made the announcement that they have made the decision to close as the virus continues to spread and more people go into self isolation.

Pilgrim Bar has also closed its doors in response to the virus.

CC Blooms, a club and bar next to the Omni Centre also posted it’s closing notice, saying: “Stay safe everyone. It’s time to trade in your dancing shoes for Netflix and chill. We’ll see you on the other side.”

Across the UK, McDonald’s is closing its inside seating for customers, only operating as a takeaway and delivery service instead.

In response to the outbreak and the subsequent social distancing measures, many restaurants across Edinburgh have amended their opening hours to be shorter, have made their seating areas smaller and have become more delivery and takeaway friendly.

For example, The Little Chartroom on Leith Walk announced that it would be launching a temporary collection and home delivery service. The collection service will begin on Wednesday 18 March and the home delivery service will launch slightly later on 1 April.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But.similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Government advice

As of the 12 March the Government has moved into the "delay" phase of its plan to tackle coronavirus. Advice is that anyone with a continuous cough or high temperature should self-isolate for seven days. People over 70 have been advised not to go on cruises and schools advised to cancel trips abroad, though schools remain open.

Should I avoid public places?

Most people who feel well can continue to go to work, school and public places and should only stay at home and self isolate if advised by a medical professional or the coronavirus service.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Don’t go to your GP but instead call NHS 111 or look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next.

When to call NHS 111

NHS 111 should be used if you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms, have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus.