Public reassured as virus is confirmed

A coronavirus case has been confirmed in Newcastle, health chiefs have said.

A joint statement from PublicHealthEnglandNorth East and Newcastle City Council confirmed a COVID-19 case in Newcastle.

Dr Simon Howard, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health England North East said: “Public Health Englandiscontactingpeoplewhohad close contact with one case of COVID-19 confirmed in Newcastle.

“Closecontactswillbegivenhealthadviceaboutsymptomsandemergencycontact 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.”

Director of Public Health for Newcastle City Council

Professor Eugene Milne said: “We would like to send our best wishes to the affectedindividualandwishthema 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. “As such, the risk to people living, working, studying and visiting Newcastle remains low and the cities are very much open for business. In the meantime, it is important to follow good hygiene practices and if you show symptoms please ring NHS111ratherthanringyour GP or go to a hospital.

“For the latest advice visit gov.uk/coronavirus.”