CITY centre streets which would normally be packed with shoppers and tourists are now largely empty.

As the national coronavirus crisis took hold, it appeared that many workers were already in self-isolation, or have chosen or been asked to work from home for the time being.

Oxford Mail:

Streets in the centre which would usually be bustling with shoppers and visitors, including Broad Street, were not completely empty today and on Wednesday but there was hardly anyone around.

READ AGAIN: Hundreds of shoppers queue outside supermarkets before dawn

Museums and other attractions including the Ashmolean have already decided to close to protect staff and visitors and prevent the spread of the virus.

Oxford Mail:

Pubs, restaurants and other businesses are concerned for their future after the Government advised people to stay at home and businesses fear the financial impact will make it hard for some of them to survive.

READ MORE: Bus companies announce reduced services

Some shops including Oxford Gifts in High Street expect to close to customers temporarily as there are so few shoppers around.

Oxford Mail:

Retail expert Keith Slater said earlier pubs and restaurants would be hit ‘ very hard’, with the county’s economy losing hundreds of millions of pounds.