CORONAVIRUS concerns have been a worry amongst thousands of residents over the past couple of weeks after a GP surgery was forced to close for a "precautionary clean".

Boundary House Surgery in Bracknell was forced to close last Monday, February 10, to carry out a deep clean after a patient visiting from Thailand entered the premises.

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It has since been confirmed from the Forest Health Group which run the surgery in Bracknell that they have had "no confirmed cases" of the coronavirus.

But in case a person has contracted the "killer virus", how will hospitals cope with this?

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust which run three hospitals: Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot, Frimley Park in Camberley and Wexham Park in Slough, have issued the steps they would take in case they had a confirmed case.

For now, the Covid-19 - a member of the coronavirus family - has never been seen before. It broke out in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

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On the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust website, they state 'Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust has put in plans and procedures in place, as recommended by Public Health England, to manage patients presenting with possible cases of Wuhan novel coronavirus at our hospitals.'

What precautions are in place?

  • Suspected cases are kept in isolation, away from public areas of the hospital and returned home also in isolation.
  • Any equipment that comes into contact with suspected cases are thoroughly cleaned as appropriate.
  • Specific guidance has also been shared with NHS staff to help safeguard them and others.
  • Patients can be reassured that their safety is a top priority, and are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual.

The common advice issue to residents is that If you have returned to the UK from China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau 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

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

•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.