Urgent Coronavirus advice sent out to Sheffield GP surgeries

The message was sent out to patients with at least one Sheffield GP surgery on Thursday by text message.

The advice, which comes from the NHS, says patients who have returned from nine countries in the past 14 days – or have been in contact with someone who has symptoms – should not attend a GP surgery.

The nine countries are China, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau.

Patients who have visited these countries or have been in contact with someone with the virus are advised instead to call 111, stay indoors and avoid contact with others.

Sheffield CCG said all GP surgeries in the city have been sent the advice, but it is up to them whether or not they send it out or not.

The COVID-19 virus was first identified in the Wuhan and Hubei areas of China.

The World Health Organization has since declared it to be a public health emergency of international concern.

In total, nine patients have so far tested positive for coronavirus in the UK.

As of 21 February, a total of 5,885 people have been tested, of which 5,876 have been confirmed as negative.

Health advice issued by the World Health Organisation to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.

Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

For the latest UK Government advice and information about coronavirus, visit the dedicated website.