Second case of COVID-19 confirmed in Leicestershire

Health officials have released a statement.

Public Health England and Leicestershire County Council have confirmed that a second Leicestershire resident has a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Together with the local NHS, Public Health England and the county council are continuing to work closely together in Leicestershire to respond.

PHE is currently contacting people who may have had close contact with the second confirmed case.

Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after they had contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure that any risk to them is minimised and the wider public is protected.

Mike Sandys, director of public health for the county council, said: “I want to re-assure people that, although a second case of coronavirus has now been confirmed in the county, the risk to the general public remains low.

“We are working closely with colleagues in health to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Leicestershire are protected.

 “Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family. These include 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 use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service or call NHS 111 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 .”

The first case confirmed in Leicestershire was announced on Saturday (7 March) – there is another case at Loughborough University but this isn’t a resident of Leicestershire.