COVID-19 has arrived in Ludlow and some people have already died.

But a significant number are recovering, including those in the vulnerable groups.

Ludlow Hospital has all its beds full and is treating patients with the coronavirus.

The majority of them are older people but there are also those who are younger and there is a mix of men and women.

Dr Caron Morton, a GP at the Station Drive Surgery, who also works in the hospital says that whilst it is a frightening disease people can be successfully cared for and make a full recovery.

“Some people have sadly died but they are people who had other health conditions as well,” said Dr Morton.

“People who have other underlying health conditions are inevitably more vulnerable.

“Many of them are older but we are seeing people in their early 60’s.

“With good treatment and care people are getting better. It is understandable that people are fearful, but many will get well.

Patients in Ludlow Hospital are in some cases being treated with oxygen but there are no ventilators.

“In many cases we find that we do not need ventilators,” said Dr Morton.

“The nurses, cleaners and all of the team are doing a great job and people are getting excellent care.”

Dr Morton said that Covid-19 can come with a range of symptoms, but the main ones are the dry cough and temperature.

She added that it is very important for people to understand that other illnesses still happen and do not stop just because there is Covid-19.

“People should still look out for all of the usual red flag problems that would cause them to consult the GP.

Dr Morton said that people with chest pains should seek emergency help and those with issues such as blood in the stools or diabetes that is not under control need to get advice.

“We are still open for business although people are initially contacting us on the telephone,” said Dr Morton.

“The NHS is open for business if not quite as usual.”

Dr Morton said that all NHS staff are doing a superb job.

“The nurses, the cleaners and everyone involved is doing a great job and working tirelessly,” added Dr Morton.

“It is a great team effort and wonderful that little Ludlow Hospital is treating people with Covid-19 and they are getting better.”

The issue of personal protective equipment has made headline news, but Dr Morton said that at present all that is needed is available at Ludlow Hospital.

It is not known how many people in Ludlow have or have had the condition as some will have no symptoms and others will only have a mild illness.

When a reliable antibody test is widely available the scale of the pandemic will become much clearer. Experts say it could be a year before there is a vaccine.