Over 100 people have potentially been exposed to coronavirus after a patient tested positive following a visit to an outpatient clinic.
Patients who attended a clinic at a Liverpool hospital have now been sent a warning letter over concerns they may have come into contact with the person.
It is believed that 115 letters have been posted to those who attended the same clinic at Broadgreen Hospital on Tuesday, March 3.
A spokesperson for the Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that they were urgently contacting those affected.
The trust also stated that the patient tested positive after attending the clinic and was not aware they were carrying the virus when they went to the hospital.
In a statement, the trust said: “We can confirm that a patient attended an outpatient clinic at Broadgreen Hospital on 3 March, shortly before testing positive for Covid-19.
"We have worked with Public Health England and NHS England to inform and advise a number of people who may have come into contact with this patient.
“The Trust has acted swiftly, following national guidance and strict infection prevention and control protocols.
“Broadgreen Hospital remains open and patients should attend their appointments as planned unless they are unwell.
"For the majority of people the risk from coronavirus is low."
Public Health England also confirmed that those patients who will receive the letter have also been sent a factsheet with advice on what to do next.
A spokesperson for the health authority added: "As a precaution, individuals who may have come in to contact with the patient at Broadgreen Hospital have been sent a factsheet with some general advice.
"The risk to them is low, but it is standard practice to share information with them about the symptoms to look out for.
“Any close contacts of confirmed cases are followed up by Public Health colleagues.
"Close contacts are given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed cases.
"This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.
“If you haven’t been contacted then you don’t need to do anything, other than follow the existing advice for the general public.”
This week Liverpool confirmed three new cases of the virus in the city.
Mayor Joe Anderson initially revealed that one city resident had contracted the virus - with the council then adding that two more had fallen ill with it.
One of those has since been revealed to be a child who is being looked after at Alder Hey Hospital.
If you are concerned or displaying symptoms of the virus NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do – go to https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 or call NHS 111 for more information
