Coronavirus in Sheffield: What we know so far as first person confirmed to have the virus

Here’s everything we know so far.

On Wednesday, health officials confirmed the first case of Covid-19 in the city. Those people who have had close contact with the patient are now being contacted, a spokesperson for Public Health England said.

They told The Star: “This case is a resident of Sheffield. 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.”

Greg Fell, director for Public Health Sheffield said the risk to residents and visitors of Sheffield is “low”.

A drive-through out-of-hospital coronavirus testing site has been set up in the city, just off the parkway.

READ: HSBC worker at Sheffield city centre office told to self-isolate over coronavirus fears

Earlier this month it was revealed two people have been treated for the virus in Sheffield at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital’s Infectious Diseases Unit. The Specialist Infectious Diseases Unit in the Hospital is one of just five of its kind in the country.

One of the patients later issued a health update from quarantine, telling people he was “absolutely fine”.

It is not known if the two patients have since been released, or if more people have been treated for coronavirus in Sheffield.

Several medical centres in the city have also been temporary closed as a precaution to allow for a deep clean, with patients urged to phone NHS 111, rather than come into their local surgery, if they have symptoms of the virus. Catholic churches are also taking precautions against the virus.

The deputy chief medical officer for the UK has said there is no need for people to avoid Meadowhall and other crowded places over fears of catching coronavirus.

As of 9am on 11 March 2020, 27,476 people have been tested for coronavirus in the UK, of which 27,020 were confirmed negative and 456 were confirmed as positive. Six patients who tested positive for COVID-19 have died.

For all the latest advice visit the NHS 111 website.