Coronavirus outbreak: Derbyshire GP appointments suspension 'likely' Published duration 13 March Related Topics Coronavirus pandemic

image copyright Getty Images image caption Derby and Derbyshire's local medical committee said it may also move to phone consultations or "virtual appointments"

Routine GP appointments in Derbyshire will likely be suspended to allow doctors to "concentrate on urgent" care during the coronavirus outbreak.

The county's local medical committee said this is due to the "unprecedented impact" of Covid-19.

There are four confirmed cases in Derbyshire and one in Derby city.

Patients in Derbyshire are also likely to have "telephone or virtual appointments", and will need to speak to a medical professional to determine their need to see a GP.

It comes as the UK government announced it was moving from "containing" coronavirus to "delaying" it.

There have been 596 confirmed cases across the country, but health officials have said they believe the actual number of people infected could be between 5,000 and 10,000.

On Friday, the Derby and Derbyshire Local Medical Committee said the pandemic was "stretching services" across the country "which were already struggling".

It said the GP service in the city and the country is likely to implement a three-point plan.

Routine GP appointments are suspended so doctors can "concentrate on urgent care for the most unwell"

Patients will move from face-to-face appointments to phone or "virtual appointments"

All patients will need to speak to a medical professional to determine the need to speak to a GP

The statement added the plan had been put in place to "reduce the spread of the virus and minimise the impact of Covid-19 on our most vulnerable and frail patients".

image copyright Getty Images image caption All English elite football matches have been suspended until at least 3 April

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.