Watford hospital says ‘don’t go to A&E until further notice’

A hospital has told people not to attend A&E until further notice even in an emergency, as the number of coronavirus patients continues to rise.

Watford General hospital has told people to avoid its emergency department and advised instead to visit other nearby hospitals or seek advice through the 111 helpline.

As of 5pm Thursday, 29 people had died at West Hertfordshire NHS trust hospitals after being diagnosed with Covid-19.

The trust is responsible for Watford General as well as Hemel Hampstead and St Albans City hospitals.

Current NHS advice tells people with coronavirus or suspected symptoms to avoid hospitals and other medical settings like pharmacies.