‘We are well prepared’: Norfolk public health director moves to reassure over coronavirus cases
The coronavirus unit which has been installed at the Queen Elizabth Hospital in King's Lynn Picture: Chris Bishop - Credit: Archant
Public health officials have moved to reassure that Norfolk is ready to deal with coronavirus as the first confirmed cases were seen in the county.
Four people have tested positive for the Covid-19 in Norfolk in the past 24 hours.
A patient at the who was being treated in isolation at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital suspected of having the disease has tested positive.
And there have been three confirmed cases of coronavirus at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn.
MORE: Coronavirus case confirmed in NorwichDr Louise Smith, Norfolk County Council's director of public health, said: 'We have been planning for cases of coronavirus in Norfolk and are well prepared.'
She said the council was working with Public Health England, the NHS and other partners in the Norfolk Resilience Forum - a body set up to provide information to the public to warn and inform about emergencies - to limit the spread of the virus and protect residents.
'Most individuals who catch Covid-19 will experience a mild infection, including flu-like symptoms,' she said.
'Older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms: this makes it important to protect ourselves and each other.'
MORE: Three coronavirus cases confirmed at King's Lynn hospitalDr Smith urged people to keep looking at and following the government's advice. Those with symptoms of Covid-19, however mild, should stay at home and not leave their house for seven days from when symptoms started.
Most Read
- 1 Classic vehicle day coming to stunning gardens this weekend
- 2 Man in his 20s dies after crash in west Norfolk
- 3 7 pubs up for sale or rent in Norfolk
- 4 'I can't stop Western Link work starting in my woodland'
- 5 Mum killed in A47 collision was ‘walking to Norwich’, inquest hears
- 6 Jailed this week: County lines gang and man found with cocaine in his car
- 7 Seven beach walks with a cafe pit stop to try in Norfolk
- 8 One in four patients ignored health conditions after failing to see GP
- 9 Six beaches in Norfolk awarded Blue Flag status for 2022
- 10 Man accused of murder refuses to appear in court
She said: 'Individuals can best help fight the spread of the virus by continuing to regularly wash their hands with soap and water, avoid regular touching of their face, mouth or eyes, and by remembering the NHS advice on coughs and sneezes: catch it, bin it, kill it.'
The most common symptoms are recent onset of a new continuous cough and/or a high temperature (37.8 degrees or higher).
MORE: What are the coronavirus symptoms and should I self-isolate?People do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation, she said.
If symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days, then the advice is to contact NHS 111 online.
Those with no internet access should call NHS 111. It is important to follow this steps to protect those who are most vulnerable.
- For updates on how coronavirus is affecting Norfolk, please visit our Facebook page here