Health bosses 'looking at options' to install a coronavirus pod at South Tyneside District Hospital

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) have said that an ‘operational pod’ is now in place at the hospital in Sunderland.

The pods are said to be a place where where any suspected cases of coronavirus can be assessed.

The instalment of the pods comes as nine people have tested positive for the virus in the UK.

Trust bosses have said they are now ‘looking at options' for a pod to be installed at South Tyneside District Hospital.

The pods, a government requirement at all hospitals, are not ‘drop in’ centres for anyone who may suspect they are demonstrating signs of the virus.

Health bosses have said they are following national guidance and urged anyone concerned about coronavirus to call NHS 111 for expert advice and stay at home.

There are now more than 59,804 confirmed cases across China and more than 1,000 people have died from the illness.

The pods have also been installed at University Hospital Hartlepool and University Hospital of North Tees, which are portable office cabins near to the Urgent Care Centres.

Health bosses in Hartlepool have said the pods are simply a required precaution to ensure they have an isolated area where anyone referred to them with suspected coronavirus can be assessed in safety.

The Trust said it will be given notice of any patient requiring an assessment in the isolation pod.

Tips on how to avoid catching and spreading germs:

:Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.

:Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

:Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

:Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

:If you have arrived back from China or specified areas in the last 14 days, follow the government advice for returning travellers.

For up-to-date advice on coronavirus, call NHS 111 or visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus