Emmerdale cancel set tours over the coronavirus pandemic
EMMERDALE bosses have suspended all set tours over the coronavirus pandemic.
Fans have been able to go behind the scenes of the soap in both the studios and the village locations each weekend when it isn't filming, however with the pandemic in effect these have now been suspended.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
A statement reads: "ITV has made the decision that due to increasing concerns around the Coronavirus outbreak and as a precautionary measure, they will be temporarily closing the set tours for the safety and welfare of all staff, production teams and guests."
It comes after Corrie bosses took the same action with their set tours.
A statement on the tour's official website says the action is precautionary to protect staff.
It reads: "As a precautionary measure, and in line with our established contingency plans across the business, we will temporarily be closing our set tours to ensure the safety and welfare of all our staff, production teams and guests."
All remaining tours for March have been cancelled, and the suspension could affect April bookings too.
The statements continues: "As this is an evolving situation, bookings for April will be contacted next week. We also confirm that gift vouchers are still available for when tours resume later in the year.
"We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding."
The tour gives fans the chance to see all the favourite Weatherfield locations such as The Kabin, Rovers Return Inn and the legendary cobbled street itself.
Yesterday the deadly coronavirus outbreak was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation - as the number of UK cases more than doubled in just four days.
There are now more than 121,000 cases of Covid-19 in 114 countries around the world and 4,373 people have died.
In the UK, 460 people have tested positive for the deadly bug and six people have died.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the number of cases outside China had increased 13-fold over the past two weeks.
He said he was "deeply concerned" by "alarming levels of inaction" over the virus.
He added: "We have therefore made the assessment that Covid 19 can be characterised as a pandemic."
The WHO defines a pandemic as the worldwide spread of a new disease.
Dr Tedros added: "Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly.
Most Read In TV & Showbiz
"It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death.
"Describing the situation as a pandemic does not change WHO's assessment of the threat posed by this coronavirus.
"It doesn't change what WHO is doing, and it doesn't change what countries should do."
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.