Covid 19 coronavirus: Napier medical centre's screen stolen

The screen was set up outside the medical centre to give staff and patients privacy. Photo / Warren Buckland

A Hawke's Bay medical centre has had a screen used for the protection of staff and privacy of patients being quizzed over coronavirus stolen.

The screen, which is put outside the front door of Central Medical in Marewa, Napier, each morning, was reported stolen at 8.10 am on Monday.

Practice Manager Victoria Speers said it was "very disappointing" and would be hard to replace during lockdown because shops are not open.

"Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we have been screening all patients for travel history and flu-like signs and symptoms, using the Ministry of Health Questionnaire and taking patients' temperature.

The screen was stolen at 8.10 am Monday morning. Photo / Supplied

"The screen was to provide some privacy with each patient,"

The station also has items such as a laptop, hand sanitiser and gloves behind the screen, she said.

Reports on social media said a man dressed in a red hoodie and cap was behind the theft.

Police confirmed they had received a report of the incident and were investigating.