Virtually all visiting at Macclesfield Hospital and Congleton Hospital's Aston Unit has been suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.

An East Cheshire NHS Trust spokesperson said: "In line with further national guidance related to COVID-19 (coronavirus), all visiting has been suspended at Macclesfield Hospital and Congleton Hospital's Aston Unit with immediate effect, apart from if a patient is receiving end-of-life care or a visitor is a parent or appropriate adult visiting a child.

"In these circumstances one visitor – an immediate family member or carer – will be permitted to visit.

"We appreciate these restrictions will be difficult for many families but they have been put in place to ensure the safety of people's loved ones, our staff and our wider local community.

"The hospital does have free WiFi so relatives can use video calls to keep in touch wherever possible.

"These important measures will help ensure the safety of patients and visitors and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Thank you in advance for your understanding and support."

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