A CHINESE businessman has said the coronavirus pandemic is the “worst” he has seen in 38 years, as diners avoid takeaways over prejudicial fears.

Frankie Tsang, chairman of the Worcestershire Chinese Association said: “At the moment, my Four Seasons restaurant in Powick is closed for two days a week and I can very easily see it being closed for longer.

“In 38 years in the trade, this is the worst thing I’ve ever experienced.”

Cathy Ahmed, who works at Cafe Zam Zam in Church Street, Malvern, said: “The virus is having a big impact on us.

“I think there is prejudice to do with coronavirus and Chinese people.

"the rest are staying away from any public takeaways as they don’t want to catch the virus.”

An employee of the Star Inn, Malvern said: “People are staying at home and not coming in - I think it’s to do with prejudice.”

READ MORE: Coronavirus fear closes Malvern Theatres

READ MORE: Worcestershire no longer announcing new confirmed cases of coronavirus

Malvern Town Council mayor Neil Morton said: " If people are keeping away from Chinese eateries, I'm disappointed.

"Coronavirus is a global problem.

"I understand people are concerned but we need to stick to facts and use a degree of common sense.

"I welcome the Government stepping in to support businesses."

Malvern Hills District Council cllr Kwai Hung Chan said: “There is prejudice out there - which I completely disagree with.

“Follow Government advice but don’t stop visiting Chinese restaurants and take aways as the businesses are suffering at the moment.”

The government has pledged an “unprecedented” amount of cash to help businesses and public services cope with coronavirus.

Speaking in his daily briefing, chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the government will make available a £330billion package of guarantees for businesses.

This, according to the chancellor, is the equivalent to 15 per cent of UK Gross Domestic Product.

Speaking at the second daily briefing from No. 10, he said: “If demand is greater, I will go further and provide as much capacity as required”

He added the Government will “be bold” in its support for the economy, saying: “This struggle will not be overcome by a single package of measures or isolated interventions.

“It will be won through a collective national effort, every one of us doing all we can to protect family, neighbours, friends, jobs.

“This national effort will be underpinned by Government interventions in the economy on a scale unimaginable only a few weeks ago.”

Boris Johnson has said the Government will do “whatever it takes” to support the economy through the coronavirus outbreak.

“We must act like a wartime government and do whatever it takes to support our economy,” he told a Downing Street press conference.

“We support millions of businesses and tens of millions families and individuals through coming months.

“The Government must and will act with a profound sense of urgency.”

Many public events, including some due to take place at the Three Counties Showground, have been cancelled due to coronavirus fears.

Many restaurants, bars and cinemas have also closed.