The East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust have denied online rumours of a COVID-19 outbreak at Lister Hospital.

Claims that the virus had been spreading around the Stevenage hospital surfaced on social media, which forced the trust to deny claims of an increased number of cases.

"We have seen reports on social media of a COVID-19 outbreak at Lister Hospital," read a statement from the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.

"We'd like to confirm that this is not the case but remind visitors and patients not to come to hospital if they have been suffering from cold or flu-like symptoms in the last 72 hours, and to wash their hands when arriving at or leaving a ward.

"If you would like to wear a facemask, you are of course welcome to do so but this is no longer a requirement."