Businesses increase hygiene measures to limit the risk of coronavirus

Many businesses across the county are taking extra precautions to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

One gym in Bromsgrove has introduced member cleaning areas and installed extra sanitisers to help keep up hygiene standards.

Rebecca Passmore, the COO of PureGym, added that in some instances, they've closed gyms where a member has tested positive for COVID-19 so that they can carry out a deep plan.

Speaking to ITV News Central, she said: "There's a range of measures that we've put in place over the course of the last couple of months. This is our number one priority at the moment, putting our members first is absolutely crucial to us so not matter what investments are required, we will make sure that we do right by our members."

Gym equipment is being cleaned more regularly to try and limit the spread of COVID-19. Credit: ITV News Central

She added: "We're a very important service to the local community. It's times like these where staying fit and physical and mental wellbeing is very important."

The virus isn't putting people off from going to the gym though. Casey Nokes, from Bromsgrove, said: "I still come to the gym because I think it's good to keep your health going and you've got to keep getting fit. It is a worry but I'm just trying to continue as normal."

Meanwhile a small business in Nottingham has spent £10,000 incase its employees have to start working from home. Strafe Creative, which designs websites, has bought a set of new laptops and software to help it trade as normal.

Ross Davies, the Managing Director, said: "We don't want to have to get to a stage where we haven't got plans in place and we don't know what's going on. We looked at the worst case scenario of it hitting the office and looked at what we could do to make sure that the company can continue."

Businesses across the region are taking increased hygiene measures, such as suppling hand sanitisers, to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Credit: ITV News Central

The NHS advice is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds at regular intervals, and use hand sanitiser if soap and water is not available. People should also avoid touching their face and put tissues in the bin immediately after use.