A GENERAL practice surgery in Taunton has reopened after it was told to close following a potential coronavirus outbreak.
French Weir Health Centre was closed this morning (February 13) after a potential case of coronavirus was identified.
The practice followed guidance from Public Health England.
Dr Mike Smart told the County Gazette this morning: "We have had a possible case of coronavirus.
"We have been advised by Public Health England and have temporarily closed the practice following their advice.
"We are still helping patients via phone calls.
"We have had a deep clean of all the possible infection areas, but at this stage coronavirus has not been confirmed."
The surgery has now reopened following a deep-clean.
A spokesperson said:
"Following the advice of NHS England the surgery was closed this morning following a possible coronavirus case.
"We have followed the advice from NHS England and the relevant areas have been deep cleaned and the practice has now returned to normal activities."
The adjacent pharmacy remains open.
The surgery posted on its Facebook page this morning: "The surgery is currently closed for infection control reasons.
"We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
"Please call us on 01823 331381 for any urgent problems."
A spokesperson for Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group said precautionary screenings are taking place commonly across the country.
They added: "Screening is taking place across the country and this region is no exception.
"We cannot comment on individual cases and we respect the confidentiality of the patients.
"Any new cases will be announced in the usual way by the Department of Health and Social Care in the 2pm updates."
If you have travelled from China or have been in contact with someone confirmed as having Coronavirus in the last two weeks, you may be at risk of Coronavirus. Please do NOT leave the house. Instead, ring 111 if:
• You have been in China in the last 14 days and develop cough, fever or shortness of breath; or
• You have been in Wuhan or Hubei Province in the last 14 days or have been in contact with someone confirmed as having Coronavirus, even if you feel well
For the latest information on coronavirus, visit www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public.
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