A minor injuries unit has closed early after a patient walked in with a possible case of coronavirus.

Sevenoaks Hospital, in Hospital Road, shut this evening as a precaution, but is set to open as normal tomorrow.

A spokeswoman for Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, said: "A person came to our Sevenoaks Minor Injury Unit (MIU) today and they are now at home, following Public Health England advice.

"At this stage, it is too early to say whether they have COVID-19 (coronavirus). Our staff followed national procedures and guidance, and as a precaution, we have temporarily closed our minor injury unit and it will be reopening tomorrow morning as normal.

"The contact details for other people who were at Sevenoaks MIU have been taken in case they are needed. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 please call 111 and follow their advice."

The minor injuries unit is open daily from 8am to 8pm.

Meanwhile, Maidstone Hospital has been putting the finishing touches on assessment pods for suspected coronavirus patients.

All hospitals are being urged to put in place special areas so people who attend hospital with the symptoms – which include fevers, coughs and breathing difficulties – can be separated from other patients.

An NHS spokeswoman said: "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 the doctors or A&E if they have any concerns about or show symptoms of coronavirus.”

Today it emerged two teachers from a school in Hythe were self-isolating following a trip to northern Italy, as are three from a school in Walderslade, while three pupils from Sir Roger Manwood's in Sandwich were sent home in a coronavirus scare on Wednesday but were later found to be clear of the illness.

Kent County Council offices underwent a deep clean the previous week after a member of staff who had travelled abroad to an affected area began to feel unwell at work.

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