MORE than a dozen new clinics to support patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus are now open across Oxfordshire.

A home visiting service will also be available for people suffering from coronavirus who are deemed suitable.

This service is supported by GPs and community staff from Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. GP practices are still open and caring for their patients, with access to all primary care services via the telephone in the first instance.

For Covid-19 a GP practice or NHS 111 will ask about someone's symptoms and those of people who live with them before arranging an appointment.

The appointment might be over the telephone with their GP, it might be to attend their local coronavirus clinic or it might be to attend their usual practice in person.

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For the time being, all GP practices and coronavirus clinics are asking patients not to walk in. Only patients with a pre-arranged appointment will be seen.

Dr Kiren Collison, GP and Clinical Chair of Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The coronavirus clinics and home visiting service will bring together clinicians and resources to support patients with coronavirus in the community.

“Precautions are being taken in each clinic to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. This is to protect patients, staff and the general public."

“The appreciation for our local NHS shown by the public across Oxfordshire has been encouraging for all of us who work in the service. We are doing all that we can to support and treat patients with coronavirus.

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"However, it is important that patients know we are still here for their other health care needs. So if you need care, we will do everything we can to ensure you receive it, but please telephone us first.”

If someone has coronavirus symptoms, which are a high temperature or a new continuous cough, they should stay at home and self-isolate for seven days.

Others in the household should self-isolate for 14 days.

They can visit NHS online and use the 111 coronavirus service to get support and advice.

The advice is to only call 111 if someone feels they cannot cope with their symptoms at home or do not have internet access.

For any other health condition or symptoms people should contact their practice as usual, unless it is outside normal working hours, then contact 111, which will direct to the appropriate service.

The new clinics are in Banbury, Bicester, Carterton, Witney, East Oxford, Kennington, Woodfarm, Abingdon, Henley, Wallingford, Thame, Didcot and Wantage.