Warning as 999 callers 'fake emergencies' to get coronavirus check
Ambulance chiefs have made a plea to people to stop calling 999 in a panic because they have coronavirus symptoms.
West Midlands Ambulance Service say people have been calling under an emergency pretext but on arrival crews are being asked for a ‘check over’.
Bosses warned crews were wasting the protective equipment used on call-outs to avoid spreading the virus.
They say six sets were discarded after three non-emergency coronavirus calls on Saturday.
In a tweet, staff urged the community to pull together and to ‘use the 999 system wisely’.
Anyone who does have symptoms of coronavirus - either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough - is asked to stay at home and not visit a GP, pharmacy or hospital.
People with symptoms should stay at home for seven days and anyone who lives with someone at symptoms should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person in the home started showing symptoms.
Visit 111.nhs.uk/covid-19 or call 111 for more information.
