All GP surgeries are open during lockdown, the health service says.

But patients who want to make an appointment with their GP should check the practice website and phone the surgery in advance to arrange an appointment, which may be conducted on the phone, by video link or face to face.

Patients will be asked a number of screening questions when they call, to establish whether they have been at risk of contact with a positive case of coronavirus, a measure which has been in place for the past six months and is now standard practice for GPs.

Social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment is in place in surgeries.

Staff will make safe arrangements for patients to collect prescriptions and help with getting medications to patients who cannot collect it themselves.

Some services operating from surgeries may be limited during the lockdown.

Patients who require a face-to-face assessment for symptoms that could be caused by coronavirus may be asked to see a doctor in a dedicated assessment unit, rather than at their usual practice.

GP representative Juan Corkill said: ’If you have a medical problem you should call your GP surgery. Do not delay if you are worried about your health. These are challenging times but we want to assure patients we are still available to help them.’

Dr Martin Rankin, who is based at the Manx Emergency Doctor Service MEDS, added: ’We expanded video and telephone consultations early in the pandemic.

’They are a safe and effective way to see patients for many problems. You will be seen in person if needed, but we have found that many problems can be sorted out over the phone. This is a good way to stop the coronavirus from spreading in our community.’