Surgery patient is confirmed as Atherstone's first coronavirus case

Atherstone has its first confirmed case of coronavirus in an outbreak connected to one of the town's medical practices , Nub News has been told.

One patient is being treated for the COVID-19 virus and a second from Atherstone Surgery is awaiting results.

GPs Scott Thomson and Rachael Davies plus a female administrator at the Ratcliffe Road doctor's surgery are self-isolating from home.

The medical centre would not say where the person is being treated. Nuneaton's George Eliot Hospital has a patient who has tested positive in its intensive care unit.

However, the surgery confirmed it was still "open for those patients who need to be seen because of their medical condition".

Practice manager Karen Clarke told Nub News: "Everything has been done in consultation with Public Health England since this morning.

"We are still seeing those patients we need to see."

But normal triage consultations will be switched to the telephone in most cases, she added.

The coronavirus case is one of 319 confirmed across the UK out of 24,960 people who have been tested.

There are thought to be four confirmed cases in Warwickshire out a total of 31 in the Midlands.

Two people are said to be self-isolating in Polesworth – advised by PHE.

In a statement to Nub News, Warwickshire County Council director of public health Shade Agboola 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 Warwickshire are protected.

"Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by 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."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is chairing an emergency meeting of senior ministers to discuss the country's response to the coronavirus crisis following the UK's third death linked to the illness.

Public Health England confirmed on Sunday evening that a man in his 60s, with underlying health problems, died at North Manchester General Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19.

Meanwhile, more than a million people have sought advice on coronavirus from a dedicated NHS online service in the first few days since its launch.

An update to 111 online was released less than two weeks ago on February 26 to help people get quick advice during the Covid-19 outbreak.

NHS England said that one day saw inquiries reach a record high of more than 210,000.

The service aims to free up time for clinical call handlers so they can prioritise people calling NHS 111 who are experiencing symptoms.

Nub News has published a 'What Atherstone needs to know about coronavirus' , compiled from Government-approved sources, which you can find here.