Grantham Hospital has now suspended hospital visits to help protect staff and patients.

The United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust announced the move yesterday, with immediate effect.

It has also announced the closure of hospital restaurants to the public to encourage social distancing.

The trust said suspending hospital visiting was a 'difficult decision' but it was needed to reduce the risk of Coronavirus.

But there would be some exceptions.

The maternity department will allow one birthing partner to attend

Parents who do not show the symptoms of infection can visit their children

Any other visits are by exception only and typically will be granted on compassionate grounds agreed in advance with the nurse in charge of the ward. If granted, the majority of these visits will be taking place between 6pm and 7pm. No visitors under 16 will be allowed.

The Trust is working on ways for families to use Skype or FaceTime to talk to their relatives and as soon as these arrangements are in place, we will update further.

The trust added that anyone attending the Emergency Department or for an outpatient appointment is expected to attend alone. A maximum of one other person is allowed if assistance is required.

A trust statement added: "We can appreciate this may be frustrating for the family and friends of patients, but we can assure that it is required at this time. As per usual practice, the ward staff will contact families if the person becomes seriously ill."

In addition to announcing the restaurant closures at Grantham and its other hospitals, ULHT also said vending machines will also be switched off to support infection prevention and control measures.

There will, however, be limited availability of takeaway drinks and snacks from hospital cafés.

Further information on Coronavirus, compiled by Nub news using official NHS and government sources can be found here.