\'Neighbours\' and \'Home and Away\' are reducing their weekly broadcasts amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The two Australian soaps - which are both on Channel 5 - are set to air on Mondays and Fridays for the foreseeable future.
In a statement, the network announced: "As a result of COVID-19, we have taken the decision to reduce the number of episodes for \'Neighbours\' and \'Home and Away\' from five to twice per weeks for both soaps, so that our viewers can continue to enjoy them for as long as possible.
"Both programmes will air on Mondays and Fridays, effective from Monday 30th March."
Although \'Neighbours\' temporarily suspended filming recently, it\'s said the crew are back on Ramsay Street again with all proper precautions being taken.
Channel Seven - which airs both shows in Australia - has confirmed \'Home and Away\' production has been halted for the time being.
In a statement, they said: "Seven Studios advised today (22.03.20) that it would halt production of Home and Away immediately.
"It confirmed that no cast or crew had tested positive for COVID-19, but that the decision was made due to the increasing logistical hurdles related to the COVID-19 situation."
It\'s said the call to reduce the broadcast schedule has been made in case of further restrictions.
Bosses have followed the example of British soaps - including \'Coronation Street\', \'EastEnders\', \'Emmerdale\' and \'Hollyoaks\' - by cutting the number of weekly episodes to ensure viewers won\'t run out of episodes if production continues to be impacted.
