Joint statement on confirmed COVID-19 case in Cornwall
Professor Debra Lapthorne, Centre Director, Public Health England South West, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with one of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19. The case is a resident of Cornwall and became infected whilst in Northern Italy. 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.
Steve Brown, Cornwall Council’s Deputy Director of Public Health said: “I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and Cornwall Council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Cornwall are protected.
“If you have not been contacted by Public Health England as a close contact of the confirmed case you do not need to take any action at this time.
“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
“If you have recently been to one of the affected areas and are feeling unwell, you should use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service or call NHS 111 for further advice straight away – please don’t go to your doctor or a hospital. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.”
Cornwall Council, PHE and the NHS are well prepared to deal with coronavirus. Our priority is to safeguard local communities which sometimes involves taking preventative measures to help reduce the risk of further cases.
To date 18,083 people have been tested with 115 positive cases across the country. We advise people to follow the advice being issued by PHE, NHS and local authorities.
We cannot comment further on individual cases due to patient confidentiality.
Details on testing are published daily at 2pm and includes a breakdown of negative and positive tests https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
For more information and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19):
PHE: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/