If in need, do call. There will still be staff answering emergency calls and sending out some ambulances.
All Category 1 calls - classed as the most life-threatening situations, such as cardiac arrest - will be responded to by an ambulance.
However, conditions which are serious but not judged to be immediately life-threatening - which could include some people who may be having a stroke - might not be immediately attended to by emergency teams.
Some ambulance trusts have agreed exemptions with unions for specific incidents within this category - known as Category 2 calls.
Urgent problems that fit into Category 3 - such as a woman in late-stage labour - will not be prioritised.
NHS Medical Director For Secondary Care Dr Vin Diwakar said: "The message from the NHS to patients is clear - if you need emergency care, please come forward.
"This means continuing to call 999 for life threatening emergencies as well as using 111 online for other health needs where you will receive clinical advice on the best next steps to take.
"NHS staff have worked hard to minimise disruption, but it is inevitable there will be an impact on services."
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