A DENTAL practice in Lanarkshire has been shut down after a patient tested positive for coronavirus.

NHS Lanarkshire said the Stewart and Stewart Dental Practice in Cumbernauld has been temporarily closed as a precaution.

The practice is currently working closely with NHS Lanarkshire’s public health team to contact patients who may have been in contact with the patient.

All practice staff have been also been informed and given public health advice, the health board added.

The individual with coronavirus is being treated in hospital and is said to be "clinically well".

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Dr Femi Oshin, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health medicine, said: “We want to reassure all staff and patients of the practice that the risk of contracting coronavirus from this individual is low.

“Our public health team is in the process of telephoning those patients who have been in contact with the confirmed case and issuing public health advice.

"These phone calls will take place over the next day.

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“Not everyone who has attended the practice last week will have had contact with the confirmed case."

Dr Gordon Stewart of Stewart and Stewart Dental Practice said: “The health and safety of our patients and staff are of paramount importance to us.

“As soon as we were notified of this matter we immediately agreed with NHS Lanarkshire’s public health officials that to close temporarily as a precaution would be the most appropriate step to take."

Patients who have been in contact with the confirmed case at the practice and are in need of urgent dental care should contact the Public Dental Service at Coathill Hospital on 01236 707711 where they will be given appropriate advice.