Isolation 'pods' for anyone who goes to Northampton General Hospital with coronavirus symptoms

Two 'pods' for anyone who goes to Northampton General Hospital (NGH) with symptoms of coronavirus have been set up opposite the emergency department.

A hospital trust spokesman said NHS 111 pods mean patients can be kept isolated and avoid causing unnecessary pressure in A&E, as per national guidance.

“Over the coming weeks, many people may need to self-isolate at home for a period to reduce this virus' spread," the spokesman added.

"Everyone can continue to play their part by taking simple steps such as washing hands to prevent the spread of infection and calling NHS 111 first before going to their GP or A&E if they have any concerns about or show symptoms of coronavirus.”

Kettering General Hospital and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury have also set up the coronavirus pods in accordance with guidance from the government.

According to the World Health Organisation, the symptoms for coronavirus are a fever followed by a dry cough, which leads to shortness of breath after a week.

The virus started in China but is spreading across the world with thousands more suspected cases reported daily, with a handful in the UK, with a global death toll of around 1,800.

A couple from Woodford Halse on a quarantined cruise ship near Japan have been told they have the illness but have raised concerns about the validity of their test results.