Sheffield doctors closed doors for 'deep clean' amid coronavirus fears

The NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group confirmed the surgery was closed for a period on Friday “to enable a clean to be undertaken as a routine precautionary measure.”

The surgery was advised by NHS 111 to temporary close.

East Bank medical centre on East Bank Road confirmed it would reopen on Friday afternoon and is now open as normal.

Posting on social media, some patients said they were told to leave the practice after waiting for appointments for up to an hour.

A woman who was in the surgery this morning told The Star: “We were waiting for my appointment at 11:20. At around 11:30 a couple came in with a child and the man had his face covered. They used the hand sanitizer and were seen by a doctor instantly. They went in the room then left.

“At around 11:55 a doctor came out and said he apologised for any inconvenience but everyone had to leave as they believe it was a coronavirus case and they needed a deep clean. If we were concerned to call 111. I’ve seen they have now recently re opened but I have not been contacted about another appointment.”

It is understood the deep clean was a precautionary measure.

A spokesperson for the NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group said: “We have spoken to the practice who were advised by NHS 111 to temporarily close to enable a clean to be undertaken as a routine precautionary measure.

“The practice is now back open. Safety is the priority and the practice and CCG has been working with public health teams to make sure there is no risk to staff and patients.”

The number of people diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK as of 7am on Friday has risen to 163 from 115 at 9am on Thursday, the Department of Health said on Friday afternoon.

A second person in the UK is now reported to have died from the illness.