Director of Public Health Dr Arif Rajpura for Blackpool Council said: “I have been notified that there is a confirmed coronavirus case in Blackpool I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and Blackpool Council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Blackpool, and our visitors 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 countries and are feeling unwell, you should phone the NHS’s 111 helpline for further advice straight away – please don’t go to your doctor. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus”
Dr Will Welfare, Public Health England North West, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with one of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19. Due to patient confidentiality, the exact location and details of the case cannot be published. The patient is being cared for appropriately.
“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/s. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”
The risk to the general public remains low after a case of coronavirus was confirmed in Blackpool. Their close contacts are being followed up. If you haven’t been contacted by PHE you don’t need to do anything, other than follow the existing advice for the general public.
Dealing with the Coronavirus Case in Blackpool
- Blackpool Council, Public Health England (PHE) and the NHS are well prepared to deal with coronavirus. The priority is to safeguard local communities which sometimes involves taking preventative measures to help reduce the risk of further cases.
- You are advised to follow the advice being issued by PHE, NHS and local authorities.
- Individual cases cannot be commented on due to patient confidentiality.
- 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
- For more information and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19)
PHE https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/
NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
How the risk is being minimised
- Authorities 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.
- If a person tests positive for coronavirus, we speak to the patient to identify anyone who has had close contact with them during the time they are considered to be infectious and go all out to find these people as soon as possible.
- Once we have contacted them we can then give them the advice they need. If they are in groups considered to be a higher risk, we make sure that we follow up with them daily to see how they are. If they become unwell we are then able to assess them quickly and take appropriate action.
General Advice following the coronavirus case in Blackpool
The best way to protect yourself from infections like coronavirus is to wash your hands more frequently with soap and water or use a sanitizer gel. Carry tissues and use them to catch coughs and sneezes, then put the tissue in a bin. Every individual has a role to play in preventing the spread of this virus.
The UK has been preparing for cases of novel coronavirus and has robust infection control measures in place to respond immediately.
It’s an evolving situation. The UK is well prepared for these types of outbreaks – we are one of the first countries in the world to develop a test for the new virus.
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