A social media post claiming coronavirus had been found in a Kent hospital was a false alarm.

There was panic on the internet when Facebook carried a report that a man had been diagnosed with the killer flu on the Isle of Sheppey.

A woman wrote this morning (Wednesday): "Confirmed case of coronavirus at Minster Hospital.

"He was even left in the waiting room for over two hours.

"Nice knowing everyone and I'm actually here."

The post was soon being shared in other groups.

But a call to Sheppey Community Hospital confirmed it was a false alarm and the building in Plover Road, Minster, was still open.

It is understood the man visited the minor injuries unit claiming to have the disease but was later sent home.

Neither Virgin Care, which runs the wards, nor NHS Swale Clinical Commissioning Group which monitors the area's health, said they were allowed to comment.

Public Health England said: "We do not comment on suspected cases. Updates will be published by the Department of Health and Social Car each day around 2pm."

The virus has infected more than 45,000 and killed more than 1,100 globally.

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