Changes

*From 16 March the government began listing social distancing guidance advising large gatherings should not take place: it advised against all non-essential travel and social contact, to include working from home where possible and avoiding venues such as pubs, restaurants and theatres. These were updated daily with further restrictions requested (but not mandated) of individuals and organisations.

*On 18 March the government announced loan guarantees for some businesses following forecasts of a significant drop in business. For the hospitality and leisure sector there will be a business rates holiday and a £25k cash grant per retail and leisure business for those without specific pandemic insurance.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51935467 BBC News] (Retrieved 18 March 2020)</ref> This was subsequently extended to include other measures, including a 'furlough' scheme by which the government funded up to 80% of wages for laid off staff.

===Timeline of events on the SVR===

*18 March: it postponed train services and closed [[The Engine House]] and Refreshment Rooms for the rest of March and throughout April. It also cancelled the following events: Easter Holidays, [[Spring Steam Gala]], [[Open House Weekend]], Spring Diesel Festival and 50th Anniversary event.

*20 March: it confirmed that the pubs at Kidderminster and Bridgnorth would close. It also launched an emergency appeal for funding to help the railway survive. By 24 March this had raised £50,000.

==Effects on the SVR==