Coronavirus: Suffolk person who tested positive recently returned from Italy
A person who tested positive for coronavirus in Suffolk recently returned from a trip to Italy.
Public Health England today confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in the county.
It is contacting people who have had close contact with the individual.
Dr David Edwards, consultant in health protection for Public Health England East, said: "We are working closely with local NHS colleagues as well as Suffolk 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."
Stuart Keeble, Suffolk County Council’s director of public health, said: "We can confirm that we have our first case of coronavirus in Suffolk.
"We understand that the individual recently returned from a trip to Italy.
"The patient is receiving help from the NHS, and Public Health England is working to trace any contacts in order to prevent the further spread of the virus.
"This new case is not unexpected. We fully anticipate an increase in numbers which is why our services have planned for, and are ready, for this situation.
"We have established a multiagency group which is working together to respond to the situation and is meeting on a regular basis.
"The most important thing you can do to significantly reduce the spread of the virus is to take basic hygiene precautions including washing your hands frequently with warm soapy water for 20 seconds, don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands.
"If you do not have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer. Sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it and wash your hands. We should do this all day every day as we should for flu.
"If you are concerned that you may have coronavirus, call NHS 111 in the first instance and do not go to your GP or to the hospital.
"They will be able to guide you."
This evening, the Chief Medical Officer confirmed that a fifth patient who tested positive for the virus has died.
