Confirmed coronavirus cases in Calderdale on the rise

There are now five cases confirmed in the borough.

As of 9am March 15 2020, a total of 40,279 people have been tested in the UK, of which 38,907 were confirmed negative and 1,372 confirmed as positive. 35 patients who tested positive for coronavirus have sadly died.

What has the response been in Calderdale?

Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Health, Paul Butcher said: “We have well-rehearsed plans in place to control the spread of infection; working closely with Public Health England, the NHS and all our health and care partners.

“Although the risk of infection is currently low, it’s really important that everyone does their bit to protect themselves and the people around them, particularly those who are more vulnerable because they have a weakened immune system or a long term medical condition.

“The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water.

“If you have recently travelled to an affected area or been in contact with someone who has, and you think you have symptoms associated with the coronavirus, you should not go to A&E or your doctor. You should self-isolate at home and visit the 111.nhs.uk/ online coronavirus service, which can tell if you need medical help and advise you what to do. Alternatively you can call NHS 111.”

The news comes as Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed that elderly people will be asked to self-isolate for up to four months as part of the plan to tackle the virus.

There could also be a shift to household isolation rather than individual self-isolation,

Mr Hancock confirmed that ministers were seeking to give police powers to arrest and forcibly quarantine people who are sick with the virus but are not self-isolating.

He said a Bill setting out emergency powers to deal with the outbreak will be published on Thursday, and details of what the powers will include will be shared on Tuesday.