Joint press release from Calderdale Council and Public Health England
PHE has confirmed that a resident of Calderdale has tested positively for COVID-19.
Specialists from Public Health England (PHE) are working with Calderdale Council and NHS colleagues following a confirmed case of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Dr Andrew Furber, Centre Director for Public Health England Yorkshire and Humber, said:
“Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with the latest confirmed case of COVID-19. 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.”
Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Health, Paul Butcher said:
“On behalf of the Council I’d like to send the patient our best wishes and we hope they have a speedy recovery. The Calderdale resident acquired the infection whilst abroad and has been isolated and is receiving appropriate medical care.
“We have well-rehearsed plans in place to control the spread of infection; working closely with Public Health England, the NHS and all our health and care partners.
“Although the risk of infection is currently low, it’s really important that everyone does their bit to protect themselves and the people around them, particularly those who are more vulnerable because they have a weakened immune system or a long term medical condition.
“The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water.
“If you have recently travelled to an affected area or been in contact with someone who has, and you think you have symptoms associated with the coronavirus, you should not go to A&E or your doctor. You should self-isolate at home and visit the 111.nhs.uk/(external link) online coronavirus service, which can tell if you need medical help and advise you what to do. Alternatively you can call NHS 111.”
People are advised to follow national Government guidance to prevent further spread of the illness and limit the numbers affected.
This guidance includes taking basic hygiene precautions as the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands.
Current evidence indicates that most cases appear to be mild, with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms. Older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms.
The symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:
- a cough
- a high temperature
- shortness of breath
Self-isolation means you should:
- stay at home
- not go to work, school or public places
- not use public transport or taxis
- ask friends, family members or delivery services to do errands for you
- try to avoid visitors to your home – it’s OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food
You may need to do this for up to 14 days to help reduce the possible spread of infection. For more information on the symptoms and steps to take, go to www.nhs.uk/coronavirus(external link)
For the latest advice on travellers returning from affected areas, plus guidance to schools and care homes, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus(external link)
Details on testing are published daily at 2pm and include a breakdown of negative and positive tests: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public(external link)