First coronavirus case in Cambridgeshire confirmed
The first case of coronavirus in Cambridgeshire has been confirmed by Public Health England.
Those who have had contact with the individual, who recently returned from an infected area, are being contacted.
Dr David Edwards, consultant in health protection for Public Health England East, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who have had close contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 who is resident in Cambridgeshire and who has recently returned from an infected area.
“We’re working closely with NHS colleagues in that area as well as Cambridgeshire County Council to manage the situation and help reduce the risk of further cases.
“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 case.
“This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.
“We are continuing our public campaign which is all about the importance of handwashing. We should be washing our hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds each time with soap and water or hand sanitiser and especially when you get home or into work, blow your nose, sneeze or cough and eat or handle food.”
Cambridgeshire County Council’s director of public health, Dr Liz Robin said: “Having a confirmed case of coronavirus in Cambridgeshire is not unexpected. We fully anticipated that we would have residents who will test positive over the coming days or weeks, which is why our services have planned for, and are ready, for this situation.
“Current evidence indicates that most cases appear to be mild, with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms. Older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms, which is why we are stressing that everyone needs to take notice of the current advice on taking basic hygiene measures to make sure that we can protect those likely to be more at risk.
“Following Government guidance remains the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands. Sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it and wash your hands. We should all do this every day to prevent the spread of germs and any flu like disease
“For the most up to date advice and information visit https://gov.uk/coronavirus.”
Peterborough also has one case.
As of 9am on Tuesday (March 10), the number of cases across the East of England had risen to 29, up five from Monday.
The total number of UK cases on Tuesday evening stood at 373, with 26,261 tested so far. Six people in the UK had died from Covid-19.
The sixth person to die was a man in his 80s being cared for at Watford General Hospital.
A statement from West Hertfordshire Hospital NHS Trust read: “Sadly, we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at Watford General Hospital, and had tested positive for COVID-19, has died.
“The patient, who died in the evening of Monday March 9th, was in his early 80s and had underlying health conditions.
“His family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time.”
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