Universal Studios is closing until the end of the month due to coronavirus.

A spokesman for Universal Studios Hollywood said the health and safety of guests and team members is their top priority for their parks.

The California attraction will shut on Saturday amid the rapid spread of the disease across the US.

"We are in frequent contact with health officials, our own health experts and others in our industry and we are closely monitoring the situation," spokesman Tom Schroder told The Hollywood Reporter.

"We are communicating with our team members and reinforcing our best-practice health and hygiene procedures. We are also educating them on basic preventive measures."

Have you been affected by the closure? Email [email protected]

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"In addition, we are reviewing and enhancing our already aggressive cleaning protocols. And for the comfort and convenience of our guests, we are increasing the number of hand-sanitizer units in our parks.

"We will continue to closely monitor the situation and be ready to act as needed."

It comes after the Disneyland Resort in California announced it was closing its doors due to coronavirus.

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Walt Disney Co said it was responding to an executive order by the Governor of California, which limits public gatherings to 250 people in a bid to halt the spread of Covid-19.

The Disneyland Resort, commonly known as Disneyland, is in Anaheim, California and is home to two theme parks – Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

It also comprises three hotels, a leisure complex and the Downtown Disney shopping, dining and entertainment complex.

Disney Parks News said that though there were no reported cases of COVID-19 at the Disneyland Resort, they were closing the parks until April.

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They said in a statement: "We are proceeding with the closure of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, beginning the morning of March 14 through the end of the month."

The park will close on Saturday until the end of the month.

The resort said refunds will be provided to anyone who have made bookings for during the closure period.

The statement added: "The Hotels of Disneyland Resort will remain open until Monday, March 16 to give guests the ability to make necessary travel arrangements; Downtown Disney will remain open.

"We will monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice and guidance of federal and state officials and health agencies.

"Disney will continue to pay cast members during this time.

"Disneyland Resort will work with guests who wish to change or cancel their visits, and will provide refunds to those who have hotel bookings during this closure period."  

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