March 10, 2020 10.58 am This story is over 48 months old

Lincoln GPs suspend online bookings over coronavirus fears

You can still call for appointments

At least two GP practices in Lincoln have suspended online appointment bookings since the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in the county.

GPs in the city have been issuing advice to patients in recent weeks. At least two surgeries have now taken their own action by suspending online appointment bookings.

Portland Medical Practice said on Monday: “To help stop the spread of COVID-19 we have made the decision to suspend the booking of appointments online. We hope you will understand and support us in this decision.”

Boultham Park Medical Practice issued a similar statement on Tuesday morning, saying: “Boultham Park Medical Practice has temporarily suspended the online appointment booking facility – we will let you know when it is available again.”

The first confirmed Lincolnshire case recently returned from Italy and it was initially thought they might have infected others, who were contacted by health authorities. It is not yet known where in Lincolnshire the confirmed case is, but 238 people had been tested locally in total by Monday, March 9.

According to the latest figures, the number of COVID-19 cases in the UK jumped to 319 on Monday afternoon and a fourth person died. The next case location breakdown is expected only on Friday from the Department of Health.

No toilet roll to be found at Waitrose in Lincoln. Photo: Tref Davies

Fears over the spread of coronvirus has seen people stockpiling in supermarkets in Lincoln and across the county, prompting the food stores to start rationing supplies.

There are three coronavirus pods at Lincoln County Hospital. Photo: Connor Creaghan for The Lincolnite

Meanwhile, the coronavirus pods are ready for patients now that Lincoln County Hospital has taken down the temporary coronavirus tent behind the bins.