A SURGERY in Weymouth has temporarily closed its doors after reporting cases of coronavirus.

Wyke Regis and Lanehouse Medical Practice has had to close one of its sites temporarily, due to staff shortages caused by staff self-isolating.

The practice currently operates from three sites: Wyke Regis, Lanehouse and Chickerell. Lanehouse Surgery, based on Ludlow Road, contacted its patients on Monday to confirm that staff members were self-isolating as a result of positive Covid-19 tests.

It is not known whether members of staff have tested positive or not.

No patients have been affected by these cases and any people with appointments should instead visit the Wyke Regis or Chickerell surgeries, which both remain open during this time and continue to hold face-to-face appointments. 

A statement from Wyke Regis and Lanehouse Medical Practice reads: “We are aware of confirmed cases of Covid-19 within our practice. All close contacts have been identified and are self-isolating.

“Please be assured no patients have been affected by these cases.

“Due to staff shortages we have temporarily closed our Lanehouse Surgery. Anyone with an appointment will be seen at the Wyke Regis Surgery instead.

Dorset Echo: Patients were contacted by Lanehouse Surgery via text message Patients were contacted by Lanehouse Surgery via text message

“Please don’t attend the surgery unless you have been invited for an appointment. It is taking longer for us to answer your calls at the moment so please bear with us and keep trying, we will get to your call as soon as we can.

“Thank you for your patience. If you experience any Covid-19 symptoms, do not attend the surgery, self-isolate immediately and book yourself a test via www.gov.uk/coronavirus.”

Visiting the surgery on Tuesday morning (October 27), there are a number of signs and notices citing its coronavirus guidelines to patients. 

One notice stated the surgery had been temporarily closed due to 'unforeseen circumstances' and apologised for 'any inconvenience this may have caused'. It also advised anyone who wants to speak to its staff to call 01305 782226. 

The news comes after a number of schools and colleges in the area recently confirmed positive tests for coronavirus, as some children are told to self-isolate and learn from home.

Holy Trinity Primary School, Wey Valley Academy, Radipole Primary School and Weymouth College all wrote to parents and carers to confirm the news and whether staff members or students should self-isolate.

Anyone who develops symptoms of Covid-19 must be tested via the NHS online portal or by calling 119. The household should also isolate until they receive the test results giving the all-clear.