Staff at family-run high street travel agency Abbotts Travel will work from home as the firm deals with inquiries about the coronavirus pandemic.
The South Woodford agent issued an update to customers saying it will keep its store open with a skeleton staff as the crisis worsens.
The firm said having staff work from home “is in the best interests of everyone…during the current situation”.
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In an email to clients the company said: “In order to continue to provide our best levels of support, care and service to our customers during this very difficult and unprecedented time, we have decided to keep our George Lane shop open, albeit with a skeleton staff, while our other members of staff work from home, dealing with phone and email enquiries.
“Our phone lines are extremely busy at this time with so many affected by travel restrictions and uncertainty, and we are constantly monitoring the situation as it evolves.”
The agency added: “The position on the coronavirus and the impact it is having across the world, as you will be aware, is changing at a rapid pace and we receive the most up-to-date information and changes to travel advice from the UK Foreign Office and our trusted travel partners.
“We are working around the clock to make sure that we are constantly keeping abreast of the situation on behalf of our clients.
“As you can appreciate, our priority is with those who are already overseas or whose travel is imminent. If you do not currently fall into either of these categories, please try to hold off from contacting us unless your enquiry is urgent.
“Please be assured that whilst the COVID-19 situation is still evolving and we understand that plans for many have been temporarily put on hold, it is not expected to be indefinite and we are still taking bookings for this summer and beyond.
“Thank you for your support and understanding at this difficult time.”