Coronavirus isolation pods have been spotted at two Kent hospitals.

The temporary buildings, set up at NHS hospitals in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, are for people who attend hospital with symptoms, so they can be separated from other patients.

However, the NHS says if you suspect you could have the virus, stay at home at contact a doctor by calling 111 when possible.

Looking at photos sent to KentOnline, it appears just one of these special buildings has been erected at each of the two hospitals.

According to a visitor, the Maidstone pod is found in a courtyard, near the back of the hospital, with access from both an internal corridor and outside path.

The Tunbridge Wells pod is found at the deliveries entrance, stood at the side of the hospital.

All hospitals in the UK are being urged to put isolation pods in place at their emergency departments, to avoid causing unnecessary pressures on A&E.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has said it is not able to comment on the cases which have been examined at the hospitals it is responsible for, or the procedures in place, directing inquiries to the Department of Health and Social Care.

It has not yet been confirmed how many people have been admitted to Kent's isolation pods.

This comes as the first case of COVID-19 in Kent was confirmed yesterday, after a staff member at Maidstone Studios tested positive for the deadly condition.

There are now 51 cases of COVID-19 in the UK, out of a total 13,911 people who have been tested.

Symptoms of the virus include fevers, coughs and breathing difficulties.

To help reduce the risk of spreading the illness, wash your hands regularly, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and self-isolate if you suspect you could have it.

An NHS spokesperson said: "Following national guidance all hospitals are putting in place NHS 111 pods at their emergency departments, so that anyone attending hospital with symptoms of the virus can be kept isolated from other patients and avoid causing unnecessary pressure in A&E.

"Over the coming weeks many more of us may need to self-isolate at home for a period to reduce this virus's spread.

"Everyone can continue to play their part by taking simple steps such as washing hands to prevent the spread of infection and calling NHS 111 first before going to the doctors or A&E if they have any concerns about or show symptoms of coronavirus."

To keep up-to-date with all the latest developments with your local hospitals and other health stories, click here.

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