The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is suspending routine inspections for health services in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The body has stated that it will continue to give assurance of safety and quality care through other, more remote, methods and that the primary objective during this period is to support the health and care system.
In a statement, the CQC also encouraged everyone to act in the best interests of the health of the people they serve, making the protection of life their top priority.
