False claims people can "self-check" for coronavirus are circulating on social media.
The Department of Health and Social Care tweeted: "We're aware of inaccurate advice circulating on Covid-19.
"Anonymous posts, claiming to be from 'Stanford Hospital' or 'Japanese doctors' are suggesting you can self-check for coronavirus by holding your breath.
"This is not accurate."
The official NHS guidance on what to do if you think you might have the illness is as follows.
You should use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
It comes a day after University of Bristol confirmed a student has Covid-19 and is self-isolating after returning from overseas.
We also revealed yesterday six students at the university are self-isolating in a house off Whiteladies Road in Clifton as they suspect they may have the illness.
There has also been controversy this morning over a Medequip driver delivering medical supplies to Bristol hospitals, care homes and patient’s addresses on March 9 and 10 – after flying from Rome on March 8.
There have been 798 confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK and 10 deaths.
Public Health England has confirmed three cases in Bristol, although Bristol City Council disputes this and says there are just two.
