A GP surgery in Ellesmere Port has now reopened following a coronavirus scare.

Earlier today (February 28) Great Sutton Medical Practice on Old Chester Road was forced to close due to a suspected case of coronavirus.

It announced the news at around 11am stating that it would be shut until "further notice as a precautionary measure following a suspected case of coronavirus".

Great Sutton Medical Practice has now confirmed that it has reopened, but is urging anyone who suspects they may have the disease not to go to the surgery.

The surgery posted on Facebook: "The surgery temporarily closed today to enable a clean of the practice as a precautionary measure.

"The surgery has reopened and all patients will be advised if their appointment needs to be rearranged.

"We apologise for any inconvenience that may have been caused. Safety is our priority and we have been working with public health teams to make sure there is no risk to staff and patients. Patients can still be seen at the surgery."

The surgery has also posted this advice: "If you have any coronavirus related concerns please phone 111 from your home and they will advise you. Please do not come to the surgery.

"Use this service if you think you might have coronavirus, if you've been to Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, northern Italy, Iran, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand or Vietnam in the past 14 days.

"If you've been in close contact with someone with coronavirus."

Today's closure came shortly after Wales confirmed its first case of coronavirus and two further patients in England were tested positive yesterday.

The total number of cases in England is now 17. Following confirmed cases in Northern Ireland and Wales, the total number of UK cases is 19.

As of 27 February, a total of 7,690 people have been tested in the UK, of which 7,675 were confirmed negative and 15 positive.

A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China.