QLocal believes a nurse at Ormskirk hospital has tested positive for coronavirus.

Reporter Roger Blaxall picked up the story yesterday from a reliable news contact - it's not known when they reported sick and how many of their colleagues might fear they have been infected and will be now self isolating at what will prove a very busy time for the NHS locally.

This statement was received yesterday from the Hospital trust PR office:

'Thank you for your inquiry.

We appreciate your responsible reporting of the current situation and recognise the intense public interest.

However, we do not comment on individual patient cases or circumstances without good reason. Patients and their loved ones are entitled to privacy and it is our duty to respect that.

The Department of Health and Social Care reports daily on the number of people tested, and negative and positive results.

The NHS national communications team releases daily updates on the latest confirmed number of deaths.Finally, a digital dashboard is updated daily, showing reported cases of coronavirus in the UK, including new cases, cases by upper tier local authority in England and number of deaths.

As the Chief Medical Officer has said, as coronavirus expands, the NHS will flex its response in line with well-established escalation plans.

Hospitals have been advised on what next steps they need to take to respond to any outbreak. Staff are working round the clock to test and treat patients with coronavirus but the public can also play their part by following health advice, including washing their hands and covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze.

If anyone is worried about symptoms, they can use the new NHS 111 online service for help and advice on coronavirus.

Tony'.

Tony Ellis, Communications and marketing manager, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust