A PONTELAND GP has issued a stark warning to the public after testing positive to coronavirus.

Dr Lily Lamb, who practises at the Ponteland medical practice, revealed earlier this week that she is currently self-isolating after contracting the virus.

As a frontline Northumberland GP and one of the first confirmed diagnoses of Covid-19 in the region, she shared her experience on Twitter and encouraged people to stay at home.

She said: "A mild sore throat was the first symptom, followed by a persistent high temperature and aching.

"The cough hasn't really been noticeable, but I have felt utterly drained, struggled to get out of bed for more than a few minutes and felt dizzy on trying to do anything other than lie down.

"The headaches are horrible, looking at screens is really uncomfortable, and processing any information is much slower than usual."

There are currently 13 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Northumberland and one patient has died.

Dr Lamb added: "I can confirm it isn't much fun, but I will force you to rest, to put down your smart phone, stop checking your emails and social media, and take stock of what really is important in life.

"Most of us will bounce back, but for some of our most vulnerable members of the population, this disease will be lethal.

"We all have to make sacrifices to save the lives of others, and to protect our NHS for now."

"Now is the time to have courage, be kind, and play our part in defeating this disease.

"Thank you to everyone working on the front lines of this battle, and to the public for getting behind their NHS, never has it been more apparent how fortunate we are in the UK to have such a fantastic health service which we must all now protect."

Northumbria Primary Care said the practice was deep cleaned last Friday and remains open.