Public toilets in Richmond and Bushy parks will be made free of charge this month, in an effort to combat the spread of coronavirus.

A statement issued by the director of park services confirmed that the toilets would be free until March 31 so visitors can make use of handwashing facilities.

In a statement, director Tom Jarvis said: “The Royal Parks is helping visitors take care of their health and protect others from the spread of the coronavirus by ensuring all toilets across its eight London parks are free of charge until the end of March, providing public handwashing facilities.

“The toilets will be manned by staff during opening hours and will be regularly cleaned. We will continue to review the situation.”

At present the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in London has reached 25 and the number of confirmed cases across the UK has reached 116.

Downing Street have also confirmed that a woman in her 70s has become the first person to die from the virus in the UK.