Britons who feel ill are told NOT to call NHS 111 unless they deteriorate – and no one will be tested for coronavirus unless they’re HOSPITALISED
- UK Government announced it has moved to the second phase of its action plan
- The NHS is set to alter its approach to the rapidly-spreading pandemic
- It urged those in quarantine not to call the NHS as they would not be tested
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Britons who feel unwell have been warned not to contact NHS 111 unless their condition deteriorates as no one will be tested for coronavirus until they are hospitalised.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared that anyone with a cough or fever should stay at home in self-isolation for at least seven days.
And now those in quarantine have been urged not to call NHS 111 unless their condition severely deteriorates.
Britons who feel unwell have been warned not to contact NHS 111 unless their condition deteriorates as no one will be tested for coronavirus until they are hospitalised (stock image)
Additionally only those admitted to hospital exhibiting severe symptoms will be formally tested for the virus.
Professor Whitty, England’s Chief Medical Officer, said: ‘It is no longer necessary for us to identify every case and we will move from having testing mainly done in homes and outpatients and walk-in centres, to a situation where people who are remaining at home do not need testing.
‘We will pivot all the testing capacity to identify those in hospitals who have symptoms so we can pick them up early, make sure we treat them well and ensure they don’t pass on the virus to other people in hospitals.
‘So there will be a change in hospital and other testing systems.’
He added that from now on people would be tested ‘irrespective of their travel history’ if they are showing severe symptoms.
It is thought that the NHS could cancel all non-urgent activity to focus on treating those affected if the outbreak runs out of control.
If the situation becomes extreme troops could even be deployed to shore up the police and essential public services.
Recently-retired doctors and nurses would also be brought back to help plug gaps in the NHS with many health workers expected to be infected along with regular members of the public.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared that anyone with a cough or fever has to stay at home in self-isolation for at least seven days