The National Union of Journalists says it is keeping its planned annual delegate meeting “under review” due to coronavrius.

The union has issued a statement after receiving a number of queries from chapels and branches in relation to the meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Southport from 24 to 26 April.

At present, the NUJ says it is working on the assumption the event will proceed as planned.

In a statement, the union said COVID-19 was a “source of considerable concern” to all NUJ members and their families.

It added: “The union has received a number of queries from chapels and branches in relation to the NUJ’s forthcoming delegate meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Southport on 24-26 April 2020.

“We are keeping the event under review and will be guided by the advice of the relevant health authorities and statutory agencies in the UK and Ireland.

“Our priority at all times will be the health and welfare of staff, delegates and members. We will also be consulting with the host venue and hotels, who have a duty of care to their employees.

“For now we are working on the assumption that DM will proceed as planned and advise that delegates should not change arrangements. The NUJ will of course keep you informed of any change in relation to DM.

“As an employer we are monitoring the situation to protect our staff and visitors to the NUJ offices. Our officials advise chapel representatives to consult employers to ensure that each company has made appropriate arrangements at workplace level.”

JPIMedia last week decided to close all its reception desks while the NCTJ has advised some students to defer their exams due to COVID-19.

Glasgow-based daily The Herald has also dropped its paywall for all stories about coronavirus in a bid to keep readers informed about the outbreak.