An artist who designed a sculpture for a KentOnline sister paper has spoken out after coming down with coronavirus symptoms.

Victoria Robbins drew up and created the design of 'Bark Kent', one of a series of Snowdog sculptures placed around Ashford in 2018.

She has now published a series of videos on Facebook detailing how she feels and advising people to stay at home.

She says: "I was being sensible - washing hands, cleaning surfaces, all of that - but I still managed to pick it up.

"I have to say this is a really hardcore bug. It is relentless. And now it's got a hold it doesn't want to let go.

"I can feel my body battling it. Then weirdly it's like my brain switched off 70% of my lung capacity and I'm out of breath the whole time."

The Hastings-based artist notes that when symptoms first appeared on Thursday, they came on quickly and were very intense.

She describes having an "intense cough and a really high temperature" which kicks in as soon as the medicine she is taking wears off

"I'm a positive and tough person. I like to think I'm relatively young, fit and healthy and I'm okay at the moment because of paracetamol but when it fades... it's testing me.

"It's hard because I live on my own and there are moments when I think this is a real struggle.

"The reality of this bug, you don't feel like eating you feel too unwell. You don't taste, you've got no smell.

"It's pointless and with regards to loo roll, your body is fighting germs so hard that you actually don't need to go to the loo and getting out of bed when you do need to go is such a challenge because you're really feeling the effects of that high temperature and this bug.

"It's exhausting and I can see why - if people are vulnerable - that they're not going to come out of this so well.

"I mean it when I say the only thing that matters is our health and when it's really tested it's a scary thing, so be responsible."

Despite not being a confirmed case, the 111 service has told the 41-year-old her symptoms are highly distinct and that she should self-isolate.

Ms Robbins has decried the lack of testing and believes the number of infected is far higher than official government numbers, having been contacted by several others since posting her account yesterday.

The Hastings-based artist strongly urged people to listen to government advice about social distancing, so as to stop the spread.

"What really matters is staying home, staying safe, keeping yourself and others healthy, looking after yourself and your community.

"There's a simple science to this - if you stay at home it'll stop it spreading, people can get better, the germs will go and life will get back to normal quicker.

"Stay at home. Don't be near people..."

"If you don't it will keep spreading and spreading and spreading. Please stay safe and stay home."

"Don't go out if you don't have to. Stay at home, don't be near people."

Ms Robbins hopes that people work together in fighting the virus, which has temporarily stopped her from continuing her work.

To see her art, click here.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

To keep up-to-date with all the latest developments with your local hospitals and other health stories, click here.