THE FERNS Medical Practice has re-opened following a coronavirus scare.

The Farnham Centre for Health-based practice was temporarily closed on February 13 to enable the surgery to be deep cleaned as a "precautionary measure".

This came after a patient was seen at the practice on February 12, who had travelled from one of the affected coronavirus areas.

In a statement, the practice confirmed the cleaning of the surgery is now complete, and the practice is open to patients.

It added: “We are pleased to announce that the practice has been cleaned and is now open. Patients with booked appointments will be seen as normal.

"We would like to remind all patients that they can continue to use econsult. To order repeat prescriptions please email [email protected].

"We would like to thank our patients for their support and are looking forward to returning to a complete and normal service.”

The Herald has asked Public Health England for a statement – including asking for confirmation that the patient is being screened, and to inform the Herald of the results of that screening – but is yet to receive a response.

The Ferns has, however, confirmed "in the unlikely event that the suspected case of coronavirus is confirmed", Public Health England will perform contact tracing and get in touch with anyone that may have been in contact with the patient.

The practice statement added: "We are asking people to take simple and common-sense steps like you would with other flu viruses.

"So always carry tissues and use them to catch coughs and sneezes, and bin the tissue.

"Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water, or use sanitiser gel, if soap and water are not available. The NHS is well prepared and all our local services are open as normal."

Public Health England advises anyone who has come back from Wuhan or Hubei Province in China in the last 14 days, to stay indoors, avoid contact with other people and call NHS 111 to tell them of your recent travel.

Do not come into your GP surgery.

If you get a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath within 14 days of returning from other parts of China (including Macao and Hong Kong), Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Singapore or Malaysia, you should stay indoors, avoid contact with other people and call NHS 111.

Again, do not come into your GP surgery.