Chesterfield Royal Hospital dispels 'really unhelpful' coronavirus rumours

A member of the public contacted the Derbyshire Times to say they heard a patient at the Royal had Covid-19 and were currently in isolation.

MORE: Coronavirus: everything you need to know – and how to protect yourself

In response, a spokesperson for Chesterfield Royal Hospital said: “These rumours are really unhelpful – they have been circulating on social media all weekend thanks to some inappropriate gossip.

“We have no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the hospital as at this moment.

“There are many reasons staff wear masks, aprons and gloves to care for someone with an infection, which is what people are sharing.

“We are obliged to tell patients and visitors if there is a confirmed case on a ward they are on.

“When we do inevitably have a case people would be told in an appropriate manner to protect patient confidentiality.

“In the meantime we are asking everyone to consider if their visit to the hospital is essential.”

The spokesperson also stressed the importance of people performing good hand hygiene.

Covid-19, which originated in China, has so far spread to more than 140 countries or territories and claimed more than 5,700 lives.

At the time of publication, a total of 35 people have died in the UK after contracting Covid-19.

There are currently 16 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Derbyshire as a whole – 11 in the county and five in Derby City.

MORE: How to wash your hands properly