A host of nurses at Southend Hospital are sick and battling coronavirus symptoms, according to reports. 

It is believed that 27 nurses working at the hospital's accident and emergency department have been struck down with the symptoms. 

According to BBC Essex, some of the nurses have now been admitted to the hospital as patients. 

It comes just a day after the Echo reported that a Southend Hospital nurse is in intensive care after having tested positive for coronavirus. 

It is understood they are being treated using a ventilator in an intensive care unit.

Southend Hospital has been contacted for official comment on the situation with nurses showing symptoms.