OLDHAM’S walk in centre has closed "until further notice" as health chiefs take emergency steps to protect people from the spread of coronavirus.

However, a new "Covid assessment hub" has been launched at the Integrated Care Centre (ICC) on New Radcliffe Street which will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It officially opened at 8am today (Monday, March 30).

The new hub will care for patients from across the borough with potential coronavirus symptoms.

People who suspect they have the virus will be given advice over the phone, by video and through face-to-face consultations or GP home visits ‘where and when appropriate’.

Bosses stressed that the service is only for people who are unwell with the potential symptoms of Covid-19, but do not need emergency care.

To access the hub’s services people are urged to contact their local GP practice or by ringing NHS 111.

As of Sunday, Public Health England confirmed there were 82 positive cases of coronavirus in Oldham.

Dr John Patterson, Oldham’s chief clinical officer, said: “These are extraordinary times and the situation has changed quickly over the last few weeks.

“In order to prevent the spread of the virus, we need to develop and adapt our services to keep patients, staff and the wider community safe.

“The Hub gives patients with potential Covid-19 symptoms the opportunity to gain advice or see a primary care professional, knowing that they are in a safe and dedicated environment.

“These changes are in response to the unprecedented pandemic and are paramount to helping to prevent the spread of the virus.”

People who suspect they have coronavirus and need to attend the new hub are asked to park at the top of the car park nearest to the ICC, with the bottom end reserved for ICC patients without symptoms.

Barriers at the car park will be open from now on to help prevent the spread of the virus.

All other services at the ICC remain open, but all services will be phoning their patients to pre-screen before any face-to-face appointments are carried out.

Health chiefs confirmed that all GP practices in Oldham are open as usual for those without Covid-19 symptoms, and can be contacted via phone or online.

Clinicans are still providing care over the phone or using video consultations, as well as arranging prescriptions, diagnosing and referring into services where needed.

Patients are being triaged remotely which means that a GP practice will always need to speak to a patient first before asking them to come to the surgery.