AN email sent out to parents by an Ellesmere Port high school claims an elderly man has tested negative for coronavirus following the temporary closure of a GP surgery.

Carl Jones, business manager at Ellesmere Port Catholic High School, said they had received a number of calls from concerned parents due to speculation on social media that a pupil was suspected of having the virus.

He confirmed that an email was sent out by headteacher Caroline Vine, which The Standard has seen, to reassure parents that was not the case.

Great Sutton Medical Practice on Old Chester Road was forced to close for a period earlier today "as a precautionary measure following a suspected case of coronavirus".

When The Standard contacted the surgery they would not confirm whether the suspected coronavirus case had tested negative.

The Department of Health and Social Care was also not in a position to comment on suspected cases of coronavirus.

In her email to parents, Mrs Vile said: "Please be advised that the Great Sutton Medical Centre has now re-opened, after a suspected case of Coronavirus (in an elderly gentlemen) has tested negative.

"The school has completed a deep surface clean and hand sanitisers are available in all classrooms and communal spaces in school."

Great Sutton Medical Practice confirmed that it has reopened around 2pm, but is urging anyone who suspects they may have coronavirus not to go to the surgery.

The surgery posted on Facebook: "The surgery temporarily closed today to enable a clean of the practice as a precautionary measure.

"The surgery has reopened and all patients will be advised if their appointment needs to be rearranged.

"We apologise for any inconvenience that may have been caused. Safety is our priority and we have been working with public health teams to make sure there is no risk to staff and patients. Patients can still be seen at the surgery."

The surgery has also posted this advice: "If you have any coronavirus related concerns please phone 111 from your home and they will advise you. Please do not come to the surgery.

"Use this service if you think you might have coronavirus, if you've been to Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, northern Italy, Iran, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand or Vietnam in the past 14 days.

"If you've been in close contact with someone with coronavirus."

The total number of cases in England is now 17. Following confirmed cases in Northern Ireland and Wales, the total number of UK cases is 19.

As of 27 February, a total of 7,690 people have been tested in the UK, of which 7,675 were confirmed negative and 15 positive.

A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.