Several patients at Scarborough Hospital being tested for coronavirus 'as a precaution'

The patients were admitted to the hospital with respiratory illnesses and are being tested 'as a precaution', York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, who run the hospital, have said.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “We are currently caring for a number of patients who have been admitted with respiratory illnesses, who as a precaution are being tested for the Covid-19 infection.

"They are being safely cared for by our highly skilled team at Scarborough Hospital and all of the appropriate protection measures are in place."

Last week we reported that following national guidance Lilac Ward at Scarborough Hospital was being turned into an isolation ward so that when patients were admitted with suspected Covid-19 symptoms they could be kept isolated from other patients.

The measures will help to minimise the risk to patients and staff and help prevent the spread of the virus.

The trust spokesperson continued: "It’s important that anyone who is worried about symptoms of the virus uses the NHS 111 online coronavirus service to get advice.

"They can also call 111 if they need to speak to someone.

“Everybody can take simple steps to stay well, including good basic hygiene especially washing your hands regularly, using hot water and soap or alcohol hand rub.

"If you sneeze or cough or have a winter cold, blow your nose then dispose of the tissue and wash your hands so germs don’t spread.”

As of 9am yesterday, there are 1,391 confirmed cases in the UK, of which seven are in North Yorkshire and four in York.

As York and North Yorkshire have separate unitary authorities they are classed as separate areas.

There are also three confirmed cases in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

The total number of deaths from Covid-19 is currently 35.

The situation in the UK is fast changing with more updates expected from central government later today after a COBRA meeting this afternoon.

Current evidence indicates that most cases appear to be mild, with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms.

Anyone with a temperature or a new, continuous cough is now being asked to to stay at home for seven days from when symptoms started.

Public Health England says this action will help protect others in the community while people are infectious.

They are advising people to stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in the home, sleep alone, and stay away from vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, as much as possible.

You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation.

If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after seven days, contact NHS 111 online or if you have no internet access, call NHS 111.

In a medical emergency dial 999.