Harwich Haven Authority has called on leisure sailors and fishermen not to use the Stour and Orwell estuary until further notice.

Although there has been a drop in container ship numbers arriving at Felixstowe and Harwich, staff available to pilot vessels and police the estuaries has lessened due to the Covid-19 virus.

Although the season was meant to start on Wednesday, the Shotley to Harwich and Felixstowe foot ferry has postponed its operations until further notice.

With Shotley marina closed except for emergencies, and the Coastguard trying to self isolate crews as much as possible it is deemed important non-essential boats should not use the rivers Orwell and Stour.

A spokesperson for the Harwich Haven Authority said: "We know we can count on the support of the leisure vessel community at this difficult time as we focus on keeping essential supplies flowing into the UK via Haven ports.

"Please keep off the waters of Harwich Harbour and the rivers Stour and Orwell until further notice."

Only the lock master is on duty at Shotley marina in case of emergencies and for the use of pilot boats using the facility.