EXTRA precautions are being taken at Southend Airport in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, while a Southend councillor has urged his residents to “stop stockpiling”.

Residents had raised concerns that Ryanair flights are continuing to land at Southend Airport despite coming from a locked down area of Italy.

Two flights arrived yesterday from impacted areas, with residents left to query whether health checks were taking place.

The airport has insisted “enhanced monitoring” is taking place, while posters and information boards are being put up in terminals.

One flight from Milan Bergamo airport was due to land at 12.15pm with the Venice Treviso Airport landing at 2.50pm.

A spokesperson for Southend Airport said: “We are working closely with all relevant authorities and will continue to follow the latest advice from Public Health England and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

“Enhanced monitoring is taking place at the airport, and we are providing advice posters and information in our terminal and immigration halls.

“In addition to the measures taken by the airport, our airline partners have introduced their own procedures and are in regular contact with the relevant government authorities.”

While the airport takes extra precautions, St Laurence ward councillor Daniel Cowan pleaded with residents to stop panic buying.

The councillor had attempted to look after his poorly children at the weekend, but struggled to buy medicine.

He pointed the finger at panicked residents stockpiling in the wake of coronavirus.

He said: “I have two poorly children (normal colds and flu) and I cannot buy any Calpol anywhere. Everywhere I’ve been is sold out. I will not be the only parent in this position yet there will be hundreds of families with soap, medicine, toilet roll, tissues, cupboard staples, rice and pasta that they don’t need. Panic buying won’t protect you if others are denied the access that will help keep them healthy.”