THE unnamed person from Hampshire who became the first in the county to contract coronavirus is now being treated in a centre in London, health officials have confirmed.

Yesterday the first confirmed case of in the county was announced, and specialists from Public Health England (PHE) are now working with Hampshire County Council and NHS colleagues.

Alison Barnett, centre director for Public Health England South East, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with this person, who is a resident of Hampshire and had recently travelled to Italy. Those identified, will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14-day intervening period. If you have not been contacted by Public Health England as a close contact of the confirmed case, you do not need to take any action at this time. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risks to those contacted and the wider public.”

Hampshire County Council’s director of public health, Simon Bryant, said: “I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and we are working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Hampshire are protected as much as possible.”

Health and local authorities are strongly encouraging people 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.

Mr Bryant added: “These are the same simple steps we all should be taking to avoid other illnesses such as flu which is also prevalent during the winter and it is important that residents help protect themselves and others.

“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 but self-isolate yourself at home and ring NHS 111 which has an online coronavirus service that can tell if you need medical help and advise you what to do.”