People have been warned to only visit Cornwall's A&E department for life threatening and emergency conditions after the Duchy's main hospital was put on black alert.

The Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske in Truro has been raised to 'OPEL 4' (referring to 'operational pressures escalation levels') which is the highest level of alert.

It is commonly referred to as 'black alert', given in the most extreme pressure situations.

It classed by NHS England as when a hospital is “unable to deliver comprehensive care” and usually means bed space has been filled.

Cornwall Council has asked people to stay away unless in the most serious circumstances.

It said: "Please only visit A&E for life threatening and emergency conditions.

"If you need urgent – but not emergency – care then your first port of call should be to contact NHS 111 by telephone or online at http://111.nhs.uk"

The service can be contacted both day and night.

On Monday the hospital warned it was under "significant pressure" and asked people not to turn up without calling 111 first.

In a tweet posted in afternoon the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust (RCHT) said: "Our A&E department is under significant pressure and we need to concentrate on caring for people with serious and life-threatening illnesses. If it’s not urgent call 111 and we’ll get you to the best service for your needs. Don’t turn up with a minor injury without calling 111 first."

Anyone who is either on holiday, or visiting from another part of the country is asked to call their own GP, and not the one closest to where they’re staying in Cornwall, if they need non-urgent advice.

Pharmacists across Cornwall can provide expert, confidential advice, and over the counter remedies for minor injuries and illnesses.

If, after contacting 111, you need to attend an Minor Injuries Unit or Urgent Treatment Centre, you will be given an arrival time, which will help everyone continue to follow government guidance, maintain distance and keep people safe while Covid continues to circulate.