A number of coronavirus cases have been confirmed at an NHS 111 call centre.

At least three staff members at the IC24 site in Ashford have received positive tests this week.

Those with the virus have been sent home and two others are self isolating, but all other colleagues are remaining at work with infection controls in place.

KentOnline understands that no deep clean has taken place at the centre, which is in Willesborough.

IC24 is responsible for handling a large number of NHS 111 calls from Kent and the surrounding area.

This is the second time it has been affected by coronavirus, after it was closed for a deep clean following a positive test in July.

The site was left vacant for a week following the diagnosis, with staff forced to remain home and test themselves for the virus.

"We continue to support social distancing and infection prevention and control"

While the site was closed, any 111 calls from the area were fielded to the group's two other facilities in Ipswich and Norwich.

An IC24 spokesperson said: 'Three employees based at our NHS 111 contact centre in Ashford have recently tested positive for COVID-19.

"Those colleagues are currently off work and we continue to support social distancing and infection prevention and control practices in all our workplaces."

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford