Headlines from the Proactive UK newsroom.
John Lewis is closing all 50 of its department stores temporarily, the first time in its history it has not opened its shops. The online business will continue to operate normally as will food arm Waitrose.
McDonald's is to fully shutdown all its UK restaurants by the end of today due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus. Seating areas are already closed but now takeaways and drive-thrus will also stop.
Financial regulator, the FCA, has asked listed companies not to publish financial results for the next two weeks due to the crisis. Other financial organisations are supporting the request.
Esports events group Gfinity (LON:GFIN) has been chosen to deliver the new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series. The F1 Esports Series has been created to enable fans to continue watching Formula 1 races virtually with Gfinity to oversee delivery of the tournament and broadcast production.
E-therapeutics (LON:ETX) is to use one of its technology platforms to attempt to find combinations of compounds of approved and known drugs that might be effective against coronavirus. The company says it has already used the platform to find active compounds capable of protecting human cells from flu.
Directa Plus (LON:DCTA) has confirmed that as a chemical company it is exempt from any restrictions on business imposed in Italy and will continue to operate its core business. Directa Plus's graphene is non-toxic and its bacteriostatic properties could be used in the production of protective clothing to ensure better prevention.
