Police are blocking access to a hospital after it discovered a problem with its oxygen equipment – potentially affecting COVID – 29 patients.
Watford General Hospital declared a critical incident and told anyone except women in labor to stay away.
A “small number” of patients have been transferred to other hospitals in the area.
West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said the technical issue did not pose “any risk” to its patients.
Sky News correspondent Ali Fortescue said police were blocking “all the paths” into the hospital , adding that anyone coming in was having to explain their reason for being there.
By 5pm on Thursday, people had died in the trust’s hospitals after being diagnosed with COVID – .
Those seeking treatment or who are concerned about their health are advised to visit nearby hospitals or ring the 162 helpline.
The trust has canceled all non-urgent appointments, explaining that the coronavirus outbreak “demands new ways of working”.
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