THOSE self-isolating in Southampton due to coronavirus no longer need to worry about going out to buy groceries or needing to walk their pets.

A community group has launched in the city, which involves volunteers helping people in isolation with their shopping, necessities or even by taking their dog for a walk.

While a hotline can be called by those in need - which the group say includes those in self-isolation, elderly, disabled and the immunosuppressed - they have said they do not offer medical advice.

The Southampton Coronavirus Mutual Aid (SMCA) group was launched by a 26-year-old from Southampton, who wishes to remain anonymous.

He said: “There is a big distance between those online and those not online so I wanted to reach out to people who aren’t able to get access to the Internet.

“There are also many immunosuppressed people who just can’t leave and I wanted to link them with volunteers so they can get help."

Over 700 people joined the online group pledging to help those affected by the virus within three days of the group being launched.

Some volunteers have also been giving out double-bagged leaflets to spread the word while avoiding contamination, as they are “working hard not to spread any germs”.

Administrator of the SMCA Facebook group and PhD student at University of Southampton, Anthony Lindley, said: “With the COVID-19 pandemic raging globally and becoming more and more serious in the UK, many people are feeling powerless and wondering how they can help.

“We are trying to do our part to lessen the impact of the coronavirus by banding together and helping our communities. We urge those without other options to get in contact to see how we might be able to help.”

Those who call the number are redirected to Whatsapp groups based across 16 places in Southampton, such as Bargate and Portswood.

The hotline can be called on 07923 353 365 or to offer support, visit www.facebook.com/groups/southampton.covid19.support/.