ISLAND GP surgeries have offered clarification amid rumours they are on lockdown and patients are being asked not to attend appointments.

A spokesperson for East Cowes Medical Centre said: "We're now moving to a triage-based system, whereby the doctor will telephone you.

"For those that need a face-to-face appointment, assessment will be made on an individual basis."

A spokesperson for Shanklin Medical Centre said: "We are screening all routine appointments.

"All patients are being screened via a GP, and if they need to be, they will be asked to come in for a face-to-face appointment.

"Measures are in place in accordance with Public Health England guidelines."

Other GP surgeries, including Sandown Medical Centre and South Wight Medical Practise, are also reportedly adopting the same procedure.