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Patients at a GP practice in Cheltenham have been contacted to say that online appointment booking has been suspended because of coronavirus.

Overton Park Surgery, in Overton Park Road, Cheltenham, has sent text messages to patients saying that the practice is unable to safely assess patients online who have suspected symptoms of coronavirus.

It said: "The online appointment booking service has been temporarily suspended for patient and staff safety during the corona virus (covid-19) pandemic.

"We are unable to safely triage patients booking online with suspected corona virus symptoms. Thank you for your understanding."

(Image: Google)



Other surgeries have told patients to stay away if they have travelled to affected countries.

Leckhampton Surgery in Cheltenham also contacted patients to say: "We request that if you have travelled to, or have been in contact with anyone who has been to China & affected countries within the last 14 days, or have concerns regarding the Coronavirus, THAT YOU CONTACT NHS 111 FOR ADVICE. Please DO NOT attend the surgery. "

What is coronavirus?

The Department of Health says a coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China.

What is the latest advice for corona virus?

Nine patients in England have tested positive for coronavirus. The Department of Health said UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate.

The UK Chief Medical Officers has issued advice to anyone who has travelled to the UK from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau.

If you have returned to the UK from any of these areas in the last 14 days and develop symptoms of cough or fever or shortness of breath, you should immediately:

stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu

call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the country

As of February 14, a total of 2,964 people have been tested, of which 2,955 were confirmed negative and 9 positive.