A FINCHINGFIELD surgery has taken the to decision to restrict residents from visiting the centre amid Coronavirus fears.

The Freshwell Health Centre on Wethersfield Road has decided to stop patients from coming to the centre unless absolutely necessary in order to prevent against the spread of Covid-19.

In a statement, the surgery said: "Despite coronavirus, please be reassured we are here to support you with your healthcare needs.

"The surgery is open for our usual office hours.

"We aim to manage as many problems as possible via phone, email and e-consultant, thus reducing face to face contacts to protect patients and staff.

"We are not taking any new face to face bookings at this time.

"All patients requiring our help will be triaged via telephone and asked to attend the surgery if further assessment is required.

"If you have a booked appointment, please do not attend the surgery - you will be called by a GP or nurse at the time of your appointment to proceed.

"Thank you in advance for your support at this difficult time.

"We will continue to give updates as changes occur."

The health centre's restrictions begin today (March 16) after announcing the news on their website and social media last night.

The move to limit face to face contact comes after Halstead's Elizabeth Courtauld Surgery decided to entirely suspend its walk in service until further notice last week.

For more information, visit freshwell.co.uk/index.aspx