LOCATIONS for a temporary coronavirus field hopsital in Cornwall are being discussed.

Cornwall Council chief executive Kate Kennally told a press briefing this lunchtime that she expected confirmation of the chosen location to be announced later today.

She said: ’The regional teams of NHS England have been asked if there is a need for Nightingale beds in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

’A number of sites are being considered at the moment and a decision will be made on that today.

’We are working with Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust to consider the capacity that is required and the most suitable location. The capacity will need to work for the whole of Cornwall.’

The announcement comes after it was revealed that Exeter Westpoint Arena was being prepared to be used as a Nightingale hospital for the South West.

A temporary hospital is also being planned to be operated in the Bristol area.

The first NHS Nightingale Hospital in London was opened this morning in London by Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Prince Charles, who addressed the ceremony from his home in Scotland.

The facility will be able to take up to 4,000 patients, and has been constructed at London’s ExCel Centre in the space of nine days with the help of the military.