Coronavirus pods have appeared at Hull Royal Infirmary

Coronavirus pods have been put in place at Hull Royal Infirmary.

These images show the steps that the hospital has taken to tackle the spread of COVID-19 in Hull after the first case was reported on Tuesday.

A total of 90 cases have been confirmed across the UK so far with the governments four-part plan to tackle Coronavirus remaining in the contain phase.

All hospitals across the country have been advised to put in place isolated NHS 111 pods on site to prevent the virus spreading to other patients.

Patients referred to the hospital to be tested are guided to the pod located outside the accident and emergency department. Patients who cannot be seen straight away are advised to return home without using public transport and call 111.

A spokeswoman for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said:  “Following national guidance, all hospitals have put in place NHS 111 pods at their emergency departments so that anyone attending hospital with symptoms of the virus can be kept isolated from other patients and avoid causing unnecessary pressure in A&E.

“The pod has been in place at Hull Royal Infirmary for the past month. Over the coming weeks, many more of us may need to self-isolate at home for a period to reduce this virus spread.

“Everyone can continue to play their part by taking simple steps such as washing hands and using a tissue if you cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of infection.

“NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do. You can also call 111 if you need to speak to someone.”

The threat of the virus hitting closer to home became a reality on Tuesday, March 3, when the Department of Health announced that the number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 had risen, with one case confirmed in Hull.

Chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty said all cases were being investigated and contact tracing has begun.

He said: “As of 9am this morning, 12 further patients in England have tested positive for Covid-19.

“Eight patients had recently travelled from Italy, one from Germany, one from Singapore, one from Japan and one from Iran.

“The patients are from London, Hampshire, Northamptonshire, Bury, Wirral, Greater Manchester, Humberside and Kent. All are being investigated and contact tracing has begun.

A 27-page document was issued on Tuesday detailing the government’s response to the virus, with possible measures including the cancellation of non-urgent operations and retired NHS staff being called “back to duty”.

The document sets out possible strategies for delaying spread of the virus including school closures, “reducing the number of large-scale gatherings” and encouraging greater home working.

The military could also provide support to emergency services if needed, it says.