A GP Surgery has been forced to close suddenly after a potential coronavirus case was identified.

Woodbank Surgery in Hunstanton Drive, Bury, has been shut today to protect patients.

A spokesperson for NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “An individual who has been identified as a possible Coronavirus (Covid-19) case recently attended Woodbank Surgery in Bury.

“To protect other patients and members of the public, the individual was kept in isolation, away from public areas and returned home to self-isolate.

"In line with Public Health England (PHE) guidance, Woodbank Surgery is temporarily closed for cleaning to remove any potential risk for patients.

“Once the cleaning is complete, the practice will reopen.

"Patients and staff can be reassured that their safety is the top priority.

"Patients with appointments booked today will be contacted and offered a telephone consultation as an alternative, patients requiring an urgent appointment today should call the practice in the usual way and an appointment will be arranged for them in an appropriate setting.

“We’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and the majority of cases are mild.

"Bury Council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to contain the virus and ensure the people of Bury are protected.”