A number of GPs and practice staff have been required to self-isolate after coming into contact with patients who have tested positive for coronavirus.
In Chelmsford, Essex, a GP surgery confirmed one of its patients tested positive for coronavirus. The surgery is operating a reduced doctor service due to the need for staff to self-isolate.
Meanwhile Dr Kirsty Baldwin, a GP from Leeds, told Pulse she had made the difficult decision to self-isolate after feeling unwell despite there being no known cases of coronavirus in her practice.
Dr Baldwin said: ‘There are lots of viral illness generally in primary care though. I’m mildly unwell. We need HCP testing to avoid risks to patients.’
The Government has since issued new advice stating anyone who is mildly unwell – those with a fever or a new cough – should self-isolate for seven days.
Two GP practice staff members in Torquay have also tested positive for coronavirus. NHS Devon CCG told Pulse that the rest of the workforce was advised to self-isolate for 14 days. The surgery is now closed until at least 16 March.
However, this comes as Pulse has revealed a case in which a GP has been told by Public Health England to continue working despite their patient testing positive for Covid-19.
The GP told Pulse that PHE had repeatedly informed her she only needed to self-isolate if she developed symptoms herself.
