Posted on Saturday 7th March 2020
Public health chiefs have today confirmed a further two residents in Staffordshire have contracted the coronavirus COVID-19. This brings the total to date to four.
People who have been in close contact with the residents are being contacted and there remains no significant risk to anyone else in the county.
Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council’s Director of Health and Care said the advice still remained to follow good personal hygiene and carry on with every-day life as normal.
Dr Harling said: “I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains relatively low and Staffordshire County Council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Staffordshire are protected.
“If you have not been contacted by Public Health England as a close contact of any of the four confirmed cases, you do not need to take any further action at this time.
“Good hygiene is the easiest and most effective way 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.”
Dr Sue Ibbotson, Centre Director, Public Health England West Midlands, said:
“Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with any of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19.
“They 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.”
Anyone who has recently been to one of the affected areas and is feeling unwell, should phone the NHS 111 helpline for further advice straight away – and not go to a doctors or a hospital.
There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
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