A SOUTHAMPTON doctor who wants to do “his part” in the fight against coronavirus is stranded on a South Pacific island.

Thousands of miles from home, newly qualified doctor, Tim Gomm is stuck in Tonga after countries across the globe closed their borders and flights have been grounded.

Tim had only been in the Polynesian nation for a month when news of the coronavirus outbreak hit.

The 22-year-old had been working there as part of his final year medical degree at Southampton University.

But he now wants to get back and help his fellow NHS workers fight the virus.

He said: “It’s very difficult to watch the NHS struggle while I’m stranded here helpless. I know that Boris will call on medical students to start as doctors early and as I am qualified I just want to do my part.”

There are reportedly no cases of coronavirus in Tonga, but the route back to the UK is through both Singapore and New Zealand.

However, each country has now closed its borders to keep the virus at bay.

Tim added: “I was on hold to the airline for an hour trying to sort flights when the news came through that Tonga had closed its borders and all flights were cancelled.

“New Zealand have put the cases they have of the virus down to the travelling in and out of the country by tourists.”

“I got some foreign office advice this that said Tonga has stopped flights until March 29, but then the Tonga government say it will be a week longer than that so the miscommunication is frustrating.”

According to Boris Johnson, around 405,000 people have signed up to volunteer with the NHS after a recruitment drive to help the vulnerable amid the coronavirus crisis.

Speaking at his daily news conference on Wednesday, he said they would play an “absolutely crucial” role in fighting the virus.

Volunteers are needed to deliver food and medicines, take patients to appointments.

The scheme is aimed at relieving pressure on the NHS.