Specialists tracking down people who have been in contact with North Yorkshire's coronavirus patient

Specialists from Public Health England (PHE) are working with North Yorkshire County Council and NHS colleagues following a confirmed case of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
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PHE has confirmed that a resident of North Yorkshire has tested positively for COVID-19.

As of 9am yesterday there were 590 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, three of which are in York and one in the rest of North Yorkshire.

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As York and North Yorkshire have separate unitary authorities they are classed as separate areas.

Stock image. Getty Images.Stock image. Getty Images.
Stock image. Getty Images.

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

"The case is a resident of North Yorkshire. 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.”

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People are advised to follow national Government guidance to prevent further spread of the illness and limit the numbers affected.

This guidance includes taking basic hygiene precautions as the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue or your elbow, bin tissues, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands.

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.