Two people in Carlisle have tested positive for Coronavirus after returning from a trip to northern Italy.
Colin Cox, Director of Public Health: said: “We are aware of two residents of Carlisle who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are working with partners to respond.
“Both individuals have recently returned from a trip to northern Italy. One is member of healthcare staff at the Cumberland Infirmary Carlisle. Since returning from their trip they have self-isolated. The member of staff did not come into work and has not had any contact with patients. The level of risk to the public has not changed and remains low. There is no need for anyone to cancel medical appointments.
“We are in regular contact with Public Health England (PHE) to ensure that the very latest protocols are adhered to.
“We are working closely with PHE who will make contact with anyone who has been in contact with the cases, so people do not need to worry, or call 111.
“Current advice still stands that if you have recently been to one of the affected countries and are feeling unwell, you should self-isolate and phone the NHS 111 helpline for further advice straight away – please don’t go to your GP or local Walk in Centre / A&E.
“Advice on how people can protect themselves can be found online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
“Prevention is always better than cure, so, as with the flu virus, the most effective way for people to protect themselves from COVID-19 is to adopt good respiratory and hand hygiene to prevent the risk of infection and a ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach to coughs and sneezes. As the situation develops guidance is updated daily.”
A North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: “The Trust can confirm that member of hospital staff has tested presumptive positive for Covid19 following a trip to northern Italy.
“On returning from the trip the member of staff sensibly self-isolated and did not come into work or have any contact with patients.
“We can assure the public that the risk remains low.
“The trust is operating normally and there is no need to cancel any appointments.”
Professor Chris Whitty, CMO for England, said: “As of 9am this morning 32 further patients in England have tested positive for COVID-19.
“Twenty-nine patients were diagnosed who had recently travelled from recognised countries or from recognised clusters which were under investigation.
“Three additional patients contracted the virus in the UK and it is not yet clear whether they contracted it directly or indirectly from an individual who had recently returned from abroad. This is being investigated and contact tracing has begun.
“The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 80. Following previously reported confirmed cases in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, the total number of UK cases is 85.”
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If you’re concerned Please call 111 for advice if you’re concerned about yourself or others.
Please DO NOT go to a healthcare setting if you think you have symptoms of coronavirus. 111 will give you the best advice and will arrange for you to be tested if appropriate.
NHS 111 also has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
Use this service if:
- you think you might have coronavirus
- you’ve recently been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – see our coronavirus advice for travellers
- you’ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone.
