Coronavirus: first patient confirmed in Kirklees region
KIRKLEES council has confirmed the first case of coronavirus in the region.
The council has said they are working with Public Health England to minimise the outbreak as the disease sweeps across the UK. It takes the total of cases in Yorkshire and North East to 24.
Several cases have already been confirmed in other parts of West Yorkshire with cases in Leeds and Bradford.
There are 324 cases confirmed across the UK, and so far six people have died. But this is the first for Kirklees.
Director for public health in Kirklees,
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, said: “We have had our first case of novel coronavirus in Kirklees, something we have been anticipating and preparing for.
“Our thoughts are with the person and we wish them the very best in their recovery. I’d like to reassure residents that we are continuing to work closely with colleagues in the health service to stop the virus spreading.
“Specialists at PHE are taking swift action to follow up with the contacts of all confirmed cases, ensuring they receive the correct medical advice and guidance.
“In the meantime, good hygiene is the very best prevention, and there are some simple steps we can all take to protect ourselves, our families and communities.
“This includes washing hands regularly for a minimum of 20 seconds, and following NHS advice in relation to coughs and colds - catch the sneeze in a tissue, bin it... and kill the germs.”
The confirmation comes as Italy is on full lockdown and several airlines have cancelled all flights until next month.
The council has disclosed no personal information about the individual who has been diagnosed, and neither the gender or age are known.