Public Health England has ruled out testing frontline NHS staff for coronavirus unless they are admitted to hospital suffering suspected pneumonia or acute respiratory illness.

Nurses, doctors, paramedics and other frontline staff have been told by NHS officials to self-isolate if they develop any coronavirus symptoms such as a cough or a fever.

The government has moved from trying to contain the outbreak and is currently transitioning into the 'delay' phase of the pandemic.

Frontline NHS staff have been warned they will not be tested for coronavirus unless they require admission to hospital with suspected pneumonia or acute respiratory illness

Public Health England said medics who have symptoms such as a fever or a cough should self-isolate in the first instance in order to help prevent the spread of the illness

It comes after it was revealed today that yet another healthcare worker had tested positive for COVID-19 – the disease caused by the infection.

Health officials are now looking for anyone who may have come into contact with the East of England Ambulance Service paramedic from Hertfordshire.

At least six other healthcare workers – including one GP and an A&E doctor – have already been infected since the UK's crisis began in January.

Two doctors working in the private Murrayfield Hospital in Edinburgh tested positive after going on holiday to Italy, as well as a GP and hospital medic in Brighton who were in the UK's first wave of patients.

According to Public Health England: 'Most adults in good health who develop symptoms will fully recover, and the CMO has advised that it is not necessary for them to be tested.

'However, to protect the most vulnerable they should stay at home for seven days to reduce the spread in the community.

'People who are generally well will not be tested but should manage their illness at home.

'However, if people do develop more serious symptoms, they should visit 111 online or call the 111 helpline.'

The NHS has told staff that in the event of 'an established significant epidemic, the organisation will be put under 'extreme pressure'.

Officials acknowledge that staff shortages will occur due to 'sickness or caring responsibilities'.

In a letter sent to staff by England's Chief Medical Officer Prof Chris Whitty and his colleagues in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, he outlined the task faced by the NHS.

Chief Medical Officer for England Prof Chris Whitty, pictured, has written to NHS doctors to warn them about the task ahead if there is a full-blown outbreak. He said some staff will have to work in areas which they are not familiar so they can continue providing a service to the public

He wrote: 'A significant epidemic will require healthcare professionals to be flexible in what they do. It may entail working in unfamiliar circumstances or surroundings, or working in clinical areas outside of their usual practice for the benefit of patients and the population as a whole.

'This can be stressful and you may have concerns about both the professional practicalities and implications of working in such circumstances.

'We need to stick to the basic principles of being a good doctor. All doctors are expected to follow GMC guidance and use their judgement in applying the principles to the situations they face, but these rightly take account of the realities of a very abnormal emergency situation.

'We want doctors, in partnership with patients, always to use their professional judgement to assess risk and to make sure people receive safe care, informed by the values and principles set out in their professional standards. A rational approach to varying practice in an emergency is part of that professional response.'