THE number of confirmed cases of coronavirus rose to 24 in Essex as the Government scrambled to delay the spread of the infection.

There have been a total of 1,950 positive tests for coronavirus in the UK, with more than 50,000 tested, according to official figures.

Businesses including pubs, restaurants and bars have been left in limbo after Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged customers to stay away, but stopped short of ordering closures.

Some have looked to adapt, with the Old Siege House bar and restaurant, in East Street, turning its hand to home delivery.

In a statement the business said: “We are in the process of trying to get a small selection of dishes together which we can feel comfortable in producing for home consumption.

“We have also been asked for afternoon teas, which we are also looking to provide.

“Hopefully we will post our menu with prices soon.”

Vue International announced it will close all 91 of its UK and Ireland cinemas until further notice and Odeon cinemas said it is closing its too, including the one in Colchester.

David Burch, of the Essex Chambers of Commerce, said: “The problem facing businesses at the moment is there is some quite contradictory advice being given out, leaving people in limbo as to what should be happening.

“The recommendation is people shouldn’t go to pubs and restaurants rather than this being imposed as a rule.

“That means people are thinking ‘Should I go out or shouldn’t I?’

“They no doubt want a bit of relief from all the bad news out there.

“But this announcement will no doubt deter people from people using the hospitality sector, that will have am impact on businesses’ viability.

“On top of all this you have the request for anybody with symptoms to self-isolate for 14 days.

“That means businesses can suddenly see employees no longer there, they come down with those symptoms and that’s it.

“What we can hope for from the Government is some real clarity.

“I have read that insurers are being cagey about what they will and won’t pay out on.

“It’s much like if people find themselves travelling, if they decide not to travel then they can’t claim back the cost but if the Government instructed them not to go to a particular country things are different.

“It is a similar situation for businesses in that they haven’t been told to close, but people have been told to stop going.”

Charities such as Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, which relies on fundraising to keep its helicopter in the air, are urging people to keep up their support.

The charity said: “This may affect our ongoing fundraising initiatives and we would ask our supporters to plan these for later in the year and perhaps participate in ‘at home’ fun challenges like a sponsored silence or a sponsored shave as an alternative.

“Raising funds is even more vital during these uncertain times when we are having to postpone events and other fundraising activities.”

Meanwhile organisations supporting the vulnerable and victimised, such as the Colchester-based Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse, also took a hit.

A spokesman said: “In response to the coronavirus outbreak, CARA is not currently able to provide face-to-face support.

“We are doing all we can to continue to provide support to victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse remotely.”

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed routine Ofsted inspections have been suspended, but schools will remain open.

Clacton MP Giles Watling announced he is in self-isolation after showing symptoms of the virus.

He addressed constituents in a self-shot video message posted on social media.

Mr Watling said he made the decision to stay indoors for at least seven days after he started to feel unwell but is continuing to work.