A READING resident has tested positive for coronavirus.

Specialists from Public Health England (PHE) are working with Reading Borough Council following one confirmed case in the town.

Alison Barnett, centre director for PHE south east said: "We ensure that someone with coronavirus doesn’t put others at risk by treating them in isolation and carefully investigating who they had close contact with through contact tracing.

"The latest case is a Reading resident.

"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 to the wider public."

The Director for Public Health at Reading Borough Council will be giving an update on the illness at Friday's health and wellbeing board at Reading Council's civic offices.

Reading Chronicle:

 

David Munday, Public Health Consultant at Reading Borough Council, said: "I'd like to reassure people that we are working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and to ensure Reading residents are protected.

"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."

Health and local authorities are appealing for 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.

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, click here. 

Coronavirus has now been declared as a 'pandemic' by the World Health Organisation.

Reading Borough Council confirmed the news today (March 11).

More information to come.