Coronavirus case confirmed in Newcastle

One person in Newcastle has tested positive for coronavirus.

On Wednesday afternoon, city health bosses confirmed that one case of COVID-19 had been confirmed in the city.

The person with coronavirus was infected elsewhere in the UK, before travelling to the North East where they are being treated at Newcastle’s RVI.

Newcastle City Council told The Newcastle Tab: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with one case of COVID-19 confirmed in Newcastle.”

Dr Simon Howard, Consultant in Health for Public Health England and North East added that “close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed cases.

“This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”

Professor Eugene Milne, Director of Public Health for Newcastle City Council also said: “We would like to send our best wishes to the affected individual and wish them a speedy and full recovery.

“Newcastle has robust infection control arrangements in place and strong partnership arrangements across the health and care system. The council is working closely with Public Health England, the NHS and all our health and care partners to prevent further spread of the virus.”

Newcastle City Council have reassured the public that the risk to people living, working, studying and visiting Newcastle remains low.

Professor Milne stated: “In the meantime, it is important to follow good hygiene practices and if you show symptoms please ring NHS 111 rather than ring your GP or go to hospital.”

Newcastle City Council told the Tab Newcastle, that they will continue to work alongside Public Health England to share relevant and timely information with the public.

There are now 85 cases confirmed in the UK.

The latest Government response and national advice can be found here.

Image credit: SWNS stock image