A RESIDENT from the Cotswolds area has been confirmed as the first patient in Gloucestershire to test positive for Coronavirus.

Earlier today the Government confirmed three new patients have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus with the new cases being confirmed in Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and Berkshire.

Gloucestershire County Council has now confirmed a resident of the Cotswolds is the person from the county who has tested positive for the virus after becoming infected in Northern Italy.

Debra Lapthorne, Centre Director for Public Health England South West, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with one of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19. The case is a resident from the Cotswolds area and became infected whilst in Northern Italy. 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. If you have not been contacted by Public Health England, you do not need to take any action at this time.

Sarah Scott, Director of Public Health for Gloucestershire County Council said: “I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and that we are working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Gloucestershire 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 and then throw it away – catch it, bin it, kill it."

There are now 23 confirmed cases in the UK.

Professor Chris Whitty said two of the patients had travelled back from Italy with another returning from Asia.

He confirmed all three cases are being investigated and contact tracing has begun.