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A Merseyside GP surgery has closed temporarily after doctors treated a patient this morning who was thought to potentially have coronavirus.

A sign on Pilch Lane Health Centre in Huyton confirmed the closure - but NHS Knowsley has said it will reopen tomorrow once it has been deep cleaned.

The sign on the door of the hospital reads: "Sorry due to suspected case of coronavirus we will have to close till NHS England advise us."

It comes as schools in Merseyside and across the country sent home pupils who have just come back from half term trips to northern Italy amid a spike in cases there.

A Knowsley CCG spokesman confirmed the closure had taken place as a precautionary measure this morning and said work was taking place to ensure there were no risks to patients.

The spokesman said: “Pilch Lane surgery is temporarily closed today to enable a clean of the surgery as a routine precautionary measure.

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

“The practice will reopen at the normal time tomorrow morning and patients will be advised if their appointment needs to be rearranged.

“We apologise for any inconvenience that may have been caused.

“Safety is our priority and we have been working with public health teams to make sure there is no risk to staff and patients.

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

“Patients who have an appointment at the surgery today will be contacted and offered a telephone consultation.”

One patient with coronavirus is already being treated at Liverpool's Royal Hospital after being flown back from the Diamond Princess cruise ship and testing positive for the illness while in quarantine at Arrowe Park Hospital.

If confirmed, the new case would be the first on Merseyside where a patient had not been in quarantine first - but this would have to be confirmed via a test first.