Market traders in a coastal town say they feel shoppers may have been driven away by coronavirus fears with low footfall this weekend.
As Covid-19 continues to spread across the country, many people are preparing for a future period of self-isolation, which may already be affecting businesses.
The streets of Great Yarmouth were 'not quite as busy today [March 14] as a normal Saturday,' according to Trayton Burnett, 19, who owns the House of Trayton stall selling subculture memorabilia in the town's market.
'I guess people might want to stay at home, ' he said, pointing to recent stockpiling on the high street.
'But I don't think that's sensible. I find it funny everyone is panic buying in case stuff runs out, but that actually causes things to run out.
'We just got over January blues, and now this is driving people away.'
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House of Trayton co-owner Dain Potter, added: 'If you feel able to lock yourself up and isolate, then you do that, but it just shows the incompetence of the government about the fact they are doing sod all.
'They should be giving out, especially for vulnerable people, free hand sanitiser and check ups and whatever you need.
'I just think, if I get it, I get it. But I'm young and pretty healthy so it hopefully wouldn't be awful for me.'
There was however a mixed sense from shoppers with some agreeing there was little that could be done to prevent the spread, and others saying they were worried.
READ MORE: Norfolk hospital suspends visiting as UK coronavirus death toll rises to 21
Michael Bensley, who is homeless, said: 'I'm worried. There isn't enough being done for homeless people.
'If you can't get in a hostel you're sleeping in the street - but the hostels are packed anyway. There's not any information in the hostels about coronavirus.
'It's getting worse and it's going to get worse before it gets better, like the plague.'
But a woman in her 70s who asked not to be named said she was 'sick to death' of hearing about the virus.
'Everywhere you go they say you've got to do this or that. If you get on a bus you can't wash your hands. It's ridiculous. I'm not saying I'm not worried but what's the point of sitting in your armchair and thinking about it? You've got to carry on.'
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