BUSINESSES in Ryedale are taking special measures following the coronavirus outbreak.

Brass Castle Brewery in Yorkersgate, Malton said they wanted to ensure that our community continues to feel safe and comfortable when visiting.

Phil Saltonstall, from the brewery said: "Because the health and safety of our guests and team is a top priority, we are paying close attention to the evolving situation with COVID-19 and are taking proactive steps to help keep everyone safe and healthy. For now and until anything changes, we will continue to brew and package beer at our regular rate and keep public hours the same. However, here are some additional steps that we are taking:

• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection cycles for frequently contacted surfaces.

• Increased frequency of facility cleaning.

• Increased access to hand sanitiser in our venues. It’s important to note that proper hand washing is still the most effective technique to prevent the spread of germs.

• Temporary suspension of high-contact Taphouse shared items, including newspapers, magazines and our arcade games console.

• Ensuring our employees wash hands frequently and stay at home if they have any symptoms.

• Taking steps to reduce crowding and customer density.

"We hope that these additional precautionary measures bring you some peace of mind. We also urge our guests to be responsible and cautious too. If you feel under the weather or have been in contact with an individual who is ill, then please avoid visiting the brewery until you fully recover or, if applicable, until the recommended self-quarantine period has passed.

"We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will take additional steps as appropriate. We are grateful for your support and will do our best to continue providing a safe and fun atmosphere for our community.

"We’re all in this together and we look forward to seeing you all soon. "

Liz Kemp, from Kemps General Store in Market Place, Malton, said Skype shopping would be available from March 20.

In a Facebook post, Liz said:: "We can’t help but be worried about the spread of Coronavirus and we know you probably are too.

"Our teams in Malton and Whitby are working hard to keep surfaces and door handles clean and safe, and we are washing their hands and singing happy birthday many, many times.

One of the things that we think could help us to keep the risk to a minimum is to avoid handling cash as much as possible, and we’d be really grateful if our customers would pay using credit cards, contactless or Apple Pay over the coming days and weeks. We have wipes on hand to clean the keypad on the card machine but contactless is best.

"Skype shopping will be available via Malton shop from 20 We can reserve and collect in either of our shops and if you see anything you would like either in the shop or on social media just message us or email Keeper@kempsgenersalstore.co.uk

"Thanks for your understanding and support."