Two people test positive for coronavirus in Stockton as case numbers rise in North East

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the North East has risen to 13.

Latest figures from Public Health England on Wednesday, March 11, show there are now six confirmed cases in Newcastle, three in North Tyneside, two in Stockton and one each in Sunderland and County Durham.

Nationally, the number of confirmed cases now stands at 456 after 83 new cases on March 11. Six people have died in the UK.

Dr Gayle Dolan, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health England North East said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with two confirmed cases of COVID-19.

“The cases are both resident in Stockton local authority area and have known travel to an affected country. Their 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 cases.

“This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”

Sarah Bowman-Abouna, Director of Public Health at Stockton Borough Council, added: “We are working closely with Public Health England and NHS England to share public health information with our residents, businesses and partners.

“It is important that people use official sources of information for updates. We can all do our bit to prevent further spread of the virus through simple things like regular, thorough hand washing.”

Cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were first reported in Hubei Province, China, in December 2019 and since then, further cases of the virus have been confirmed in a number of countries.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has issued guidance for British people travelling and living overseas following the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, and in other countries worldwide.

It is urging people to stay indoors and avoid contact with others if they have travelled to the UK from the places on its following list of designated affected areas in the last 14 days – even if they do not have symptoms.

Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes and chronic lung disease.

Anyone with the above symptoms is urged to use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next, but should not visit a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.