Ulster Bank says several of its branches will close and others will have curtailed opening hours due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The bank says 10 non-cash advice centres are to close temporarily from Friday March 27th - while all its branches will no longer open on Saturdays effective immediately.

Its Mobile Bank on Wheels service is also to cease. The bank says these are temporary measures.

In a statement, Ulster Bank says: "Today's changes balance our priorities to keep colleagues and customer safe, whilst continuing to serve customers and restrict unnecessary movement."

It will also prioritise elderly/vulnerable customers and their carers until 11.00am in branches.

And it has set up two new dedicated phonelines - one for elderly/vulnerable customers and their carers - and a second for healthcare and emergency workers.

An online form for customers requesting a mortgage payment break has also been introduced to its website.

Ulster Bank is reminding customers to only to come to branches if they cannot carry out the activity online or on the app.

Those that must come to branches are being reminded to exercise social distancing and use measures in place such as hand sanitiser.

Ulster Bank managing director of personal banking is Ciarán Coyle.

"We are in unprecedented times and I would like to acknowledge our colleagues for their resilience and for supporting our customers and each other in our communities.

"We are indeed in this together and we are prioritising the support and protection of our customers and colleagues.

"Ulster Bank’s branch strategy at this time is focused on individual community needs and we will adjust this as the situation evolves to keep as many branches as possible open, while keeping our colleagues as safe as possible."

The bank adds that the numbers of customers visiting branches has fallen, and that its ATM network will continue to support customers who need access to cash.

Earlier this week Bank of Ireland announced plans to shut 101 of its branches in response to the outbreak.

Bank of Ireland said it was ‘focusing resources’ on the remaining 168 branches and its national ATM fleet.

It said 148 of the remaining branches will offer a full service to customers - including counter services for cash, coin and cheque services.