Despite warnings from the Chief Minister, a GP surgery is reporting its staff have been abused over the phone.

Ramsey Group Practice said that staff went in early this morning to ensure they were best prepared to provide support to concerned residents.

A post on the practice’s Facebook page said: ’We know that this is a worrying time but please remember your front line health care staff are patients too and have the same concerns as you.

’Today we have been told we are ridiculous, we are useless and it’s all pathetic!

’The pharmacies are now closing for an hour each throughout the day to give the staff a little breathing space as they are getting verbally abused as we are. We here at RGP will continue to work throughout the day trying to help the best way we can but please remember we are human too.’

Officers from the Isle of Man Constabulary’s northern neighbourhood policing team added: ’Please remember that health care staff are trying to help you and verbal abuse against them will not be tolerated.’