Award-winning cafe in Kirkcaldy shuts amid coronavirus fears

In a statement on The Bakers Field Facebook page it said: “In the interest of public health and the health of our staff we have made the decision to close until further notice due to the coronavirus.

“None of our staff have the virus at present but we want to take thorough preventative measures to protect vulnerable people. We believe this is the right thing to do. We plan to re-open in the future once it is advisable to do so. We will miss all of you and we hope you keep safe in these trying times.”

Speaking to the Press, owner Roslyn Fawns said as a lot of the cafe’s regular customers are elderly, she didn’t want to put them at risk.

She said: “If doctors in hospitals are catching the virus, even with stringent hygiene procedures in place, public spaces where people are in close quarters may put people at risk.

“We really care about our customers (many who've become close friends) and our lovely staff. We feel that morally this is the right thing to do for our community.

“In terms of how long we are closing for this will depend on how the virus develops and any further advice the government provide.”

She added: “We were hoping to have capitalised on recently winning the UK's best vegetarian bakery of the year. However, the safety and well-being of our community is our priority and always will be.”