HAMPSHIRE business leaders are taking action to combat Coronavirus.

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is fighting back against the ongoing spread of COVID-19.

According to the chamber which is made up of local business organisations of all sectors and sizes “it’s business as usual”.

However, as a “precaution” hand sanitisers are being placed at the chamber offices in Above Bar Street and will be taken to all networking and exhibition events.

Attendees are urged to use sanitisers when entering and leaving chamber meetings and to bring along their own hand sanitisers as a “back up”.

The chamber of commerce is urging members not to shake hands or embrace at events.

Members are also advised to assess their own health before visiting the chamber’s office and are asked not to attend its events if they are experiencing any symptoms of the virus.

It comes as the number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the UK soars to 456.

So far, six patients who tested positive for the deadly virus have died.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled a £30bn package to boost the economy and get the country through the outbreak.

Meanwhile, due to growing concerns about COVID-19, the fifth instalment of the Mayflower 400 Speaker Series with Pete Goss, on Wednesday, March 18 has been postponed until further notice.

The series marks the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower from Plymouth UK to Plymouth Massachusetts.

A statement from the events team said: "Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our clients, colleagues and business partners, as such this is a preventive measure in line with the recommendations currently being provided.

"As and when we have further updates, we will share these with you.

"We appreciate your support and understanding in this matter."