Suspected Cambridge coronavirus case identified on Addenbrooke’s isolation ward

A likely positive case of coronavirus has been identified on one of Addenbrooke’s Hospital’s isolation wards, it has been confirmed today (Thursday, March 12).

The announcement comes after the news of the first case of coronavirus in Cambridgeshire, which was confirmed by Public Health England on Tuesday.

A paramedic with the East of England Ambulance Service, who lives in Hertfordshire, has also been confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus, the chief medical officer confirmed today.

A statement from the hospital said that a ‘contact tracing’ exercise is now under way to trace other staff who might have had close (face to face) contact with the patient. Close contacts to the patient concerned will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after they had contact with the likely case.

“This well-tested method will ensure that any risk to them is minimised and the wider public is protected.Be scrupulous with your hygiene,” said a statement on Addenbrooke’s website.

Medical director, Dr Ashley Shaw, said: “It is very important to protect yourself by following the well-publicised guidance for hand-washing. Please also be scrupulous with your hygiene and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and use and then bin tissues if you cough or sneeze. These are the best steps that you can take that will help to reduce the spread of Covid-19.”

He added: “Patients with appointments or who need to attend for urgent or emergency care should still come to hospital.”

NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell anyone who is concerned that they might need medical help and advise you what to do.

Use this service if:

• you think you might have coronavirus;
• in the last 14 days you've been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus;
• you've been in close contact with someone with coronavirus.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone.

Like the common cold, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with novel coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also catch the virus by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.

Testing of suspected coronavirus cases is carried out in line with strict guidelines. This means that suspected cases are kept in isolation, away from public areas of GP surgeries, pharmacies and hospitals and returned home also in isolation. Any equipment that come into contact with suspected cases are thoroughly cleaned as appropriate. Specific guidance has also been shared with NHS staff to help safeguard them and others. Patients can be reassured that their safety is a top priority, and are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual.

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

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First coronavirus case in Cambridgeshire confirmed