Total coronavirus cases in Northamptonshire rises to six after one more positive result

The number of people in Northamptonshire who have tested positive for coronavirus has risen by one to six in total, as of today (Wednesday, March 11).

Northamptonshire County Council director of public health Lucy Wightman said: “I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public continues to remain low.

"Northamptonshire County Council public health team is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Northamptonshire 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."

The first Northamptonshire case was confirmed by the Department of Health on March 3, as a person who had recently been to Italy, which is the most-affected country in Europe.

The second Northamptonshire positive test confirmed two days later was a member of the same immediate family as the first person, as was the fifth, which was confirmed yesterday (Tuesday).

Dr Fu-Meng Khaw, from Public Health England East Midlands, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who have had close contact with the latest confirmed case of covid-19, a resident of Northamptonshire.

"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.”

Of the 27,476 people tested in the UK as of 9am today, 456 have coronavirus, the biggest daily increase so far of 83.

A total of 42 cases are in the Midlands, a rise of eight from yesterday - six people have died nationally.

Meanwhile Northamptonshire churches have been instructed not to share wine at holy communion as part of a raft of measures over the coronavirus outbreak.

Symptoms of coronavirus

The symptoms of coronavirus are a cough, a high temperature and shortness of breath.

These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

Call 111 if you think you have coronavirus or need more information.

How coronavirus is spread

Because it's a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person. Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.

It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.

Do I need to avoid public places?

Most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places.

You only need to stay away from public places (self-isolate) if advised to by the 111 online coronavirus service or a medical professional.

How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus

Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

Always wash your hands when you get home or into work

Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards

Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell