TWO Cheshire GP surgeries have closed their doors after the 'irresponsible actions' of three people put staff and patients at potential risk of catching coronavirus.

Farndon and Tattenhall surgeries, part of The Village Surgeries Group, has taken the precautionary step after three patients failed to disclose their true travel history sparking infection control procedures.

The surgeries will be open by telephone only and if anyone requires a face-to-face appointment they will be required to provide details of their travel or contact history for the past 14 days.

The Village Surgeries Group also reassured patients who visited the practices last week that they should not be concerned as the closure is purely a precautionary measure.

A message on their website states: "Stop! Due to the irresponsible actions of three patients who did not disclose their true travel history thus triggering infection control procedures and putting our staff and other patients at risk of infection the surgery is open by telephone only.

"To reduce the possible risk to our staff and patients access to the surgery is being restricted to telephone only. Patients with GP appointments will initially be telephoned by a doctor as many issues can be dealt with without the need to visit the surgery.

"Should face to face treatment be required you will be asked to confirm any travel or contact history for the previous 14 days before visiting the surgery.

"Nurse and blood test appointments will continue as normal. There is no need for concern if you visited the surgery during the last week. These are precautionary measures to help protect our patients and staff.

"If you are requesting repeat medication this can be done online or put the repeat slip through the letterbox. If you have a prescription to collect that was requested before February 28 please wait and a receptionist will come to the door."