The ferry service will be operating services from Saint Malo to Jersey and Guernsey on Thursday 19 March and Sunday 22 March to repatriate both Channel Islanders and French residents.

A service between the UK and Channel Islands will also be offered a sailing on Thursday or Monday 23 March.

Condor will then suspend its French and UK passenger services for one week until 2 April, the start of the Easter school holidays. Freight-only services will not be affected.

Tweet: President Emmanuel Macron announcing the closure of borders.

However, Condor CEO Paul Luxon said plans could be subject to change.

It said this was in line with government advice that islanders should avoid non-essential travel to curb the spread of corona virus.

Mr Luxon commented: “We remain absolutely committed to bringing families home, so our priority is to ensure that such essential travel takes place. This is a pragmatic approach given the government advice available in what is clearly an evolving situation.”

Passengers are now being contacted to secure their bookings.