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Specialist Coronavirus pods are being installed at two hospitals on Teesside.

The pods at University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton and University Hospital Hartlepool in Hartlepool are isolated areas where any suspected cases of coronavirus can be assessed.

They are portable office cabins near to the Urgent Care Centres.

Health leaders at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust are reassuring people that the arrival of coronavirus pods are no reason for concern.

The trust said that the pods are a government requirement at all hospitals and are not 'drop in' centres for anyone who may suspect they are demonstrating signs of the virus.

They said they will be given notice of any patient requiring an assessment in the isolation pod.

Julie Lane, chief nurse and director of patient safety and quality at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The pods are simply a required precaution to ensure we have an isolated area where anyone referred to us with suspected coronavirus can be assessed in safety.

"I would like to stress that the pods are not a drop in centres, nor should they be taken as confirmation of any local cases.

"At present, we have no cases of coronavirus in our trust."

The trust have said that anyone concerned about coronavirus should call NHS 111 for expert advice and stay at home.

Tips on how to avoid catching and spreading germs:

Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

If you have arrived back from China or specified areas in the last 14 days, follow the government advice for returning travellers.

For up-to-date advice on coronavirus, call NHS 111 or visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus