Leeds Grand Theatre goes cashless due to coronavirus - but plans to stay open

The two venues will only accept contactless debit and credit cards.

Additional hand sanitisers are being placed throughout, while staff with any kind of illness have been asked to self-isolate for at least a week.

A statement issued by City Varieties on Monday afternoon said: "As the coronavirus situation evolves, Leeds Grand Theatre and City Varieties Music Hall remain open whilst we continue to follow official guidance from the UK Government and Public Health England carefully.

"Should this change, we will inform ticket holders and visitors as soon as possible.

"Our cancellation and refund policy remains the same as we continue to operate. Full terms and conditions can be found on our website.

"The safety and well-being of our customers, staff, touring companies and artists is our utmost priority, and we are taking every practical measure possible to keep people safe and minimise the spread of coronavirus whilst at our venues.

"These include:

"Additional hand sanitisers have been places at key points throughout our buildings.

"Staff have been issued with appropriate training on good hand hygiene, and equipment and surfaces are being cleaned regularly.

"Any staff who are unwell have been asked not to work and to self-isolate for 7 days as per Public Health England guidance.

"We have stopped taking payments by cash; all payments are by card only and preferably contactless where possible.

"We will issue tickets by email rather than in physical form if customers would prefer to avoid unnecessary handling

"We would also like to remind all visitors of the importance of practicing good hand and personal hygiene.

"Thank you for all your continued support and loyalty. We look forward to welcoming you soon."

Earlier today, a Leeds primary school issued a message to parents that it had a 'confirmed' coronavirus case in reception.