Access has been limited to two homes in Frome, Critchill Court and Rowden House Care Home due to the coronavirus.

Somerset Care, who run the homes, have limited access to just health professionals and family members.

A spokesperson said: "There are currently a number of cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 in the UK.

"Somerset Care is taking various steps with regards to this situation. As always, the well-being and safety of the people we support and of our staff members remains our primary focus.

"We are in regular contact with the local council and NHS, and are following the official advice from Public Health England which they have issued specifically for community care and residential settings.

"We can assure you that we are treating this situation seriously, we are conducting regular meetings and staying informed on current developments.

"It is important to note that as a care provider we have to prepare every year for the possibility of potential outbreaks such as severe flu epidemics.

"As a result, all of our care homes and settings have existing contingency plans which are being regularly reviewed to ensure they remain relevant so that we are prepared.

"We have set up a senior task force to oversee this situation, and are monitoring it closely so that we can make sure that we are able to respond to any changes.

"The advice currently is that we do not need to close our care homes, though we are taking precautionary measures which include limiting access to people outside of health professionals and family visitors."

Meanwhile local estate agents Cooper & Tanner have just announced that they are postponing all letting property inspections until further notice due to the Corona Virus.

In a letter the company stated: " We fully appreciate that this decision may prove to be inconvenient, however, this decision has not been taken lightly and has been taken with your safety in mind. "