It is understood patients isolating for three days prior to surgery will have their operations postponed, but those isolating for at least a week can still go ahead. 

The new measures are expected to be reviewed after a week.

A spokesperson for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust said its hospitals continue to offer care for both Covid and non-Covid patients.

“We are facing a very serious situation here in Nottinghamshire. We have the highest levels of Covid-19 infection in the country, and as a result we have had to postpone some of our non-urgent activity,” the spokesperson said.

“We wish to make it clear that our care for those in need of urgent cancer operations, or of other clinically urgent procedures, remains. 

“We ask our communities to please follow the government guidance closely – wash your hands, wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Playing your part to control further transmission in our city and county will help to save lives.”

It comes as University Hospitals Birmingham announced they would turn away hundreds of patients who present at A&E if they are deemed as non-essential, as the hospital seeks to protect critical services amid rising infections.

“If you are not in urgent need of help, you will be sent away,” UHB said in a statement. 

The Nightingale Hospitals in Sunderland, Manchester and Harrogate were this week told to mobilise following an influx of Covid-19 admissions in the region.

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