THE FIRST case of coronavirus in the West Midlands has been confirmed.
The patient is from Birmingham, as more positive cases for coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, were announced today.
The number of confirmed UK cases is 90.
Chief Medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty told MPs today it is ‘highly likely’ that some infected people in the UK are not connected with overseas cases.
Public Health England said it is working closely with NHS colleagues and Birmingham City Council to manage the situation and help reduce the risk of further cases.
In a statement, Public Health England said: “We are currently contacting people who may have had close contact with the confirmed case.
“Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after they had contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure that any risk to them is minimised and the wider public is protected.”
Birmingham City Council’s Director of Public Health, Justin Varney said: “This new case of coronavirus is nothing unexpected. We expected that at some point we would have our first case and we have worked with partners in the NHS and PHE and our services have planned for this, and are ready, for this situation.
“I’d like to reassure citizens that the risk to the general public remains low and Birmingham City Council is working with partners to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Birmingham are protected.
“Current evidence indicates that most cases appear to be mild, with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms. Older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms, which is why it is important to help protect ourselves and each other. This is a good reminder to all of us to check in on neighbours and loved ones and be conscious of each other.
“Following Government guidance to take basic hygiene precautions remains the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands. We should do this regularly throughout the day.
“Good regular cleaning with normal detergent of surfaces people touch regularly or may cough onto, like door handles and lift buttons, is also sensible. People should log onto gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest advice and information.”
Katie Spence, Deputy Director, Health Protection, Public Health England West Midlands said “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 who is a Birmingham resident. We’re working closely with local NHS colleagues as well as Birmingham City 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.”
NHS chiefs have said the health service has expert teams of highly-trained staff and specialist hospital units around the country ready to receive and care for any patients with any highly infectious disease.
