'Keep sense of proportion' over coronavirus says Lincolnshire health boss

Across the UK, tests for the virus are being increased to include people displaying flu-like symptoms at 100 GP surgeries and eight hospitals.

Schools, including four in Lincolnshire, have closed after pupils and staff made trips to Italy, which has more than 300 cases.

And Queen Elizabeth’s High School in Gainsborough is monitoring the situation with a football trip to Milan and ski trip planned for next month involving pupils and staff.

Isolation pods have also now been set up at hospitals in Lincoln, Boston and Grantham for people suspecting they have symptoms to isolate themselves from A&E departments.

However, health officials in Lincolnshire have sought to reassure people to not be overly concerned.

Tony McGinty, assistant director of public health at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “There's probably more of a risk to local services in Lincolnshire during this outbreak from people overreacting than there is from the virus itself, particularly in this early stage.

“It's really important people keep a sense of proportion."

Queen Elizabeth’s High School has asked parents to follow the advice and guidance which it has provided.

A statement on the school’s website said: “We are receiving calls from parents linked to concerns regarding the Coronavirus.

“Please, before calling school, could we ask that you read the information that we have sent to all parents via ParentMail.

“The information contains a link to the latest, and most current, Government information and advice.

“This is the advice and guidance that we will be following, and intend to keep following. We would like to direct you to this link and to read the advice contained on the Government website.

“We currently have no staff members or students who have been advised to not attend school.

“No decision has been made about the upcoming trips to Italy as yet. As soon as we have any information or updates, we will be in touch with all relevant parents.”