First coronavirus case confirmed in Sheffield

Specialists from Public Health England (PHE) are working with Sheffield City Council and NHS colleagues following one confirmed case of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Helen McAuslane, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health England Yorkshire and Humber, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with one confirmed case of COVID-19.

“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.

“This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”

Greg Fell, Director for Public Health Sheffield said: “Firstly, I would like to send my best wishes to those affected for a speedy recovery.

“Sheffield City Council has been working closely with Public Health England, the NHS and all health and care partners to prevent further spread of the virus.

“With the arrangements we have set up here in the city, the risk is low to residents and visitors of Sheffield. We are in touch with Public Health England daily, making sure that we share relevant and timely information with the public and our partners.

“Our advice remains the same, we encourage everyone to wash their hands, for twenty seconds, and to follow good hygiene practices. If you start to show symptoms and have recently travelled to an affected country or have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, please call NHS 111.”

The World Health Organisation has now declared the outbreak a ‘pandemic, as the number of cases in the UK reaches 456.

The increase of 83 cases in the last 24 hours is the biggest jump to date and the NHS says it will step up testing.

There are now over 118,000 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, in 114 countries around the world.

For all the latest advice please visit:

https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19