Auschwitz will close to visitors on Thursday for two weeks as the Polish Government announces all museums will close to stem the spread of coronavirus.

The Auschwitz Memorial said in a statement: “Due to the decision of the government to close all museums and cultural institutions in Poland, we inform that between 12-25 March the Auschwitz Memorial will not be available for visitors.”

The decision follows an announcement by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Wednesday that Polish schools, universities, museums and cinemas would close until the March 25.

Poland had confirmed 26 cases of coronavirus as this article live.

Last week, it was announced that the annual March of the Living commemoration would be postponed for the first time in its 32-year history over coronavirus fears.

The museum had previously asked organisers to stop bringing visitors from countries affected by the epidemic.