FOLLOWING news this week that a Herefordshire resident was one of the latest confirmed case of coronavirus, COVID- 19, the county council has issued a statement to reassure the general public.

A joint statement on the confirmed COVID-19 case in Herefordshire has been issued by Herefordshire Council, Public Health England and the NHS.

Meanwhile, efforts have been underway to find people who had contact with the Herefordshire resident who tested positive for coronavirus.

At the time of going to press, it is not known where in Herefordshire the person who tested positive is based.

Sue Ibbotson, Centre Director, Public Health England West Midlands, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with one of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19 who is a resident of Herefordshire.

“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.”

Karen Wright, Director of Public Health for Herefordshire Council, 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 Herefordshire 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.”

Meanwhile, Ledbury’s MP, Bill Wiggin has appealed for calm follow the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Herefordshire.

Mr Wiggin , the MP for the North Herefordshire constituency,

urged people to continue practising good hygiene to combat the spread of the disease.

In a statement, Mr Wiggin said: “I have just received the news that the first case of coronavirus (Covid-19) has been confirmed in Herefordshire.

“Whilst there is no need to panic unduly, it is vitally important that we all continue to practice good hygiene and prevent the further spread of the virus.”

He added: “I am confident that our wonderful sense of community here in Herefordshire will ensure that those who are concerned or feeling vulnerable will be looked after.”

Schools are closely monitoring the situation.

Andy Evans, headteacher of the John Masefield High School in Ledbury said: “The advice to schools is very clear that if we have cases or potential cases we must contact health authorities and they will give us clear instructions on whether the school should remain open and what action we should take. We will follow this advice exactly so that we are following expert opinion rather than making our own decisions.”