Businesses in Powys have been warned not to ignore government advice on keeping customers and staff safe during the coronavirus outbreak.

Dyfed-Powys Police and Powys County Council have issued a joint statement to remind businesses to comply with the restrictions.

Any business that is not allowed to operate will be breaking the law and putting health of the public at risk by encouraging the spread of the virus.

Businesses can check whether they must close by visiting the government website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close

Powys Council said it is "crucial" that businesses which are allowed to stay open must keep to the strict requirements to make sure customers and employees are not put at risk.

Employers who have people in their offices or onsite should follow Public Health England guidelines including, where possible, maintaining a two-metre distance from others, and washing their hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitiser gel if soap and water is not available.

Meanwhile, bed and breakfast providers and holiday accommodation  providers have been asked by the council to remind their customers to return home in order to reduce the "burden" on local services.

Councillor James Evans is the council's cabinet member with responsibility for environmental health and trading standards.

He said: “These are unprecedented times and we need your support to reduce the threat to our Powys citizens and to our health services trying to deal with this awful virus. Please take heed of this advice and we want to work with you and need your support.

Dyfed Powys Police Temporary-Chief Inspector Adam Ellis added: “These measures are in place to keep the public of Powys safe and working in partnership with council colleagues we are committed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

"The public and businesses must understand that the reported requirements will be enforced and if necessary action will be taken however we hope that by working together that such instances will be kept to a minimum which in turn will allow for front line services to continue with the priority of keeping Powys safe.”

Restrictions will be reviewed by the government in around three weeks time.

Anyone who is concerned that a business is operating when it should be closed, can contact Powys Trading Standards on trading.standards@powys.gov.uk or Environmental Health on environmental.health@powys.gov.uk.

Businesses can also get support from the government by visiting https://gov.wales/business-support