GP practises have been advised by government to suspend online appointment systems that are missing people with Covid-19 and leading to them turning up at surgeries.

Family doctors who are at the frontline of efforts to fight the virus have been told supplies of personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves are “on the way”.

The assurances come as the UK and Scottish governments announce dramatic new restrictions to try to prevent a sharp increase in the number of new cases from the current 171.

Speaking at a press conference, the first minister said 'We are at the cusp and moving along the curve slightly faster than predicted, of a very rapid acceleration of the spread of the virus where we see cases double every five days or so'.

Scotland’s chief medical officer, Dr Catherine Calderwood, added that "we have in Scotland evidence of sustained community transmission. The measures we have introduced will prevent the NHS becoming overwhelmed. These measures will be in place for several months”

The Scottish government today advised those most at risk to avoid unnecessary contact in order to slow spread of the virus, including avoiding public transport as much as possible.

People over 70 and those who have high risk and underlying health conditions are being strongly advised to stay at home as much as possible and ‘significantly reduce unnecessary social contact’.

The letter to GPs reveals worries that online booking systems do not sufficiently triage patients who may be experiencing coronavirus, meaning some are turning up to general practice premises.

It says these should be suspended “for the duration of the pandemic” and promises to accelerate the use of remote consulting so patients and GPs don’t have to meet face-to-face.

GPs will also be exempted from usual performance tracking measures so they can focus on the virus and are being promised they will not lose out on NHS payments if they have to close or suspend services as they deal with the outbreak.

The letter, from the Scottish government, the British Medical Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners, was published alongside other directives to GPs.

One note says they should work to identify patients who are frail and “among the most vulnerable to severe illness and death”.

Meanwhile hospitals are restricting visits to protect patients and staff, and are looking at moving non-clinical staff into clinical roles.