SHELVES in Tesco Extra, Horwich, have been left bare as customers stockpile supplies due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As the Government advises those with symptoms of the virus to remain at home for seven days, people are buying supplies en masse in preparation for self-isolation.

Pasta, toilet roll and tinned goods are among the most sought-after items.

Tesco has taken action to try and combat stockpiling and ensure everyone can buy what they need.

A sign placed on an empty shelf in the Tesco Extra in Horwich read: “To help give everyone access to essential items, this product is limited to five per customer.”

A spokesman from Tesco said: “We have enforced a five product limit on things such as toilet roll, anti-bacterial gel, handwash and pasta.

“But people should definitely not worry, we’re still getting them all in stock every single day.”

Advice from Public Health England about self-isolation for those presenting coronavirus symptoms or who are confirmed to have the virus says that people should plan ahead so they can successfully stay at home.

As of 9am yesterday, 798 people in the UK had tested positive for coronavirus, which was up from 590 people from 9am on Thursday.

This is an increase of 35% and is the first time the day-on-day increase has been more than 200 cases.

Only a week ago on March 6 the number of positive tests for the virus was 163.

There are currently three confirmed cases of coronavirus in Bolton, a figure which has remained unchanged since Tuesday.

Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement on Thursday afternoon that the Government was entering a ‘delay’ phase in its coronavirus action plan, advice is being issued surrounding travel, education and mass gatherings.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have warned against all travel to certain parts of Spain unless necessary.

A spokesman said: “We are advising against all but essential travel to the regions of Madrid, La Rioja and the municipalities of La Bastida, Vitoria and Miranda de Ebro.

“Airlines are continuing to run flights as normal to and from these areas.”

People should check with their airlines and tour operators if they have any holidays planned, however transport routes currently remain open so British nationals can remain in the country.

Meanwhile, the Direct Line group has suspended the sale of travel insurance to new customers.

The company, which includes the brands Direct Line and Churchill brands, said: “Due to the impact that coronavirus is having across the world we have experienced a huge increase in demand for travel insurance.

“Our priority is to protect and service our existing customers and therefore we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily suspend the sale of travel insurance to new customers so that we can focus on our existing customers.”

The University of Bolton has not cancelled any lectures or face-to-face teaching which is in line with official government guidance, although several universities across the UK have changed to online teaching.

The university does advise those who have recently visited high-risk countries to stay at home and to avoid close contact with other people.

Greater Manchester Police have issued fraud advice as criminals use the pandemic as a way to take money from the public.

Detective Superintendent Estelle Mathieson, head of GMP’s Economic Crime and Cyber Unit, said: “It has come to our attention that fraudsters are using what is a time of uncertainty for many and exploiting innocent people of their hard-earned money.

“It is likely that, nationally, scams of this type will rise as the virus situation continues, and GMP is committed to identify and target these offenders.

“Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of fraud should report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.”

GMP advise people not to click on links or attachments in suspicious emails.

All mayoral and local elections in England have been postponed for a year due to the outbreak.