Essex residents are being urged to donate blood to help patients and vulnerable people around the county during the coronavirus outbreak.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) said that its donor sessions are still open around the country.

But the NHSBT said it still needs to make sure people continued donations as normal to ensure hospitals had the stocks that they need.

People with symptoms which includes a persistent cough, shortness of breath or high temperature are advised not to attend sessions.

An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “We need donors to keep donating as normal in Essex. Travel to blood donation sessions is essential to the NHS.

“Our stock levels are currently good but we need people to keep donating to make sure hospitals continue to receive the blood they need.

“Regular donation will help us to be well prepared to support the wider NHS for the impact of the coronavirus.

“We have seen an increase in calls from people asking if sessions are going ahead and people asking questions about coronavirus.

“We're putting in place extra safety measures on our sessions and safety is always our number one priority.

“We’re asking donors in Essex to follow the latest advice on our website and app and the advice from the Government.

“We’re regularly reviewing the situation and working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, PHE, and the UK’s other blood donation services.”

To find out where you donate blood, click here.