A DROP-in cafe for rough sleepers and vulnerably-housed people in Oxford has closed due to coronavirus concerns.

While cafes and restaurants were ordered to shut down during the lockdown, services offering food and drink to the homeless are exempt from the closures.

However, The Gatehouse in Woodstock Road has announced temporary closure today.

ALSO READ: Rough sleepers to be put up in hotels by Oxford City Council

A statement posted on its Facebook page this afternoon said: "From Wednesday, 25th March 2020, the Gatehouse made the decision to close the food and drink takeaway service until further notice.

"This was due to the coronavirus and the need to safeguard our guests, volunteers and staff in relation to adequate social distancing protocol.

"We are currently working to find a different model for food delivery, so please watch this space.

"We will still need our staff, volunteers, food groups and donors so please continue to support the charity.

"Thank you everyone for all the support we have received. We do genuinely work in a wonderful community, ever from afar."

ALSO READ: The Porch launches coronavirus campaign to help Oxford's homeless

It was signed off by Andrew Bunch, the organisation's chair of trustees, and project director Kat Horne.

Day centre The Porch in Oxford, which also feeds rough sleepers, also closed earlier this week.

However, it is working with Oxford City Council to drop off meals in the city centre and deliver directly to service users.