The first coronavirus case in Shropshire has been confirmed, with the patient becoming infected while travelling in Italy.

People who may have been in close contact with them are being given advice from Public Health England, but it is not clear which area of Shropshire they are from.

The council said this is in order to maintain patient confidentiality.

Katie Spence Deputy Director, Health Protection, Public Health England, West Midlands, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with one of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19.

"The case is a resident within Shropshire Council local authority area who became infected whilst travelling in Italy. 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.

RELATED NEWS:

"This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public. We will not be commenting further on the details of this particular case due to need to protect patient confidentiality.”

While this is the first case confirmed in the county, almost 400 people in the UK now have the disease. This includes one case in Herefordshire which was confirmed yesterday.

Rachel Robinson, director of public health for Shropshire Council said: “I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and Shropshire Council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Shropshire are protected.

“The patient was tested in the community and is self-isolating. Public Health England (PHE) are identifying and speaking to those who have been in close contact with the individual and will follow up with any appropriate action.

“We have been and continue to work closely with our PHE and NHS partners to do everything we can to help prevent the spread of the virus.

“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

“If you have recently been to one of the affected areas and are feeling unwell, you should phone the NHS 111 helpline for further advice straight away – please don’t go to your doctor or a hospital. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.”

Shropshire Council has been working closely with Telford and Wrekin Council, Public Health England (PHE), NHS England and local health and care partners, to prepare and respond to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

All partners continue to work together to co-ordinate appropriate action and resources to protect the public’s health. Partners and services are working closely to support each other to ensure organisations have the capacity to respond to COVID-19 whilst still being able to provide essential everyday services.