First Coronavirus case confirmed in Coventry

The first case of Coronavirus has been confirmed in Coventry.

Public Health England and Coventry City Council have confirmed that a person has tested positive for COVID-19.

The patient is currently being treated at University Hospital Coventry. It is the first case in the wider Coventry and Warwickshire region.

Public Health England said it is working with Coventry City Council to help contain the spread.

Centre Director of Public Health England West Midlands, Sue Ibbotson said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with one of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19 who is a resident of Coventry.

“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.”

Director of Public Health for Coventry City Council, Liz Gaulton, said: “I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and the local authority is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Coventry are protected.”

The first confirmed case in Coventry comes after a University of Warwick staff member is self-isolating after coming into contact with a person who has tested positive for the virus.

Updates will follow.