First coronavirus case in Cheshire

Following on from the announcement made by the World Health Organisation that the coronavirus is now officially a pandimec, a Warrington resident has tested positive for the coronavirus, after recently returning to the UK from Italy.

The virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has spread – with the number of confirmed cases reaching over 100,000.

Six UK patients who tested positive for COVID-19 have died.

Around 27,476 people have been tested in the UK, of which 27,020 were negative and 456 were confirmed as positive.

Dr Andrew Davies, Clinical Chief Officer for NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The individual in question is self-isolating and receiving all the appropriate treatment and care. We want to reassure the public that the NHS in Warrington and PHE are well prepared for dealing with cases of coronavirus and we are working closely together to keep the public as safe as possible.”

Editor: To put the coronavirus epidemic into perspective – 6,600 people died in the UK from influenza and 120,000 were hospitalised during the 2019-20 flu season. The current spate of panic buying is not only insane but potentially damaging for those really in need of the items in short supply as a result. Wash your hands and get a grip!