NHS Kernow has put out a statement on the Coronavirus following the closure of a health centre in South East Cornwall yesterday.

Saltash Health Centre was closed for around an hour yesterday afternoon for deep cleaning as a routine precautionary measure, says the surgery.

NHS Kernow said it was respecting patient confidentiality and would not be commenting on individual cases.

In a statement, the health authority said: ‘Saltash Health Centre surgery was temporarily closed yesterday afternoon to enable a clean of the surgery as a routine precautionary measure. The practice reopened within an hour.

‘We apologise for any inconvenience that may have been caused.  Safety was our priority and we have been working with public health teams to make sure there is no risk to staff and patients.

‘Screening is taking place across the country, the region is no exception.’

So far in the UK, more than 6500 people have been tested for Covid-19 and 13 have tested positive. On its website, the Department of Health is updating with the locations of each of the positive cases and none is listed for the South West. NHS Kernow is urging the public to follow the government’s advice to travellers.

Anyone who has returned from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and is experiencing cough or fever or shortness of breath should stay indoors and call NHS 111, even if symptoms are mild.

Anyone returning from certain specific parts of the world where Covid-19 cases are confirmed, including parts of northern Italy, Iran, parts of Korea and Hubei province in China, should call 111 and self quarantine, even if they are not showing any symptoms.