Birmingham’s health chief has issued a statement to reassure residents after the city’s first case of coronavirus COVID-19 was confirmed today (Thursday 5th March).
Official figures released by the government’s Department of Health and Social Care puts the number of confirmed cases in the UK at 110, as of 9am today (5th March).
‘Risk remains low’
Birmingham City Council’s Director of Public Health, Justin Varney said that officials were prepared for the situation, having expected and had planned for the city’s first case, along with partners in the NHS and Public Health England (PHE).
He said: “I’d like to reassure citizens that the risk to the general public remains low and Birmingham City Council is working with partners to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Birmingham are protected.
Partnership working
Public Health England (PHE) is working closely with NHS colleagues and Birmingham City Council to manage the situation and help reduce the risk of further cases.
People who may have had close contact with the confirmed case are currently being contacted and advised about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after they had contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure that any risk to them is minimised and the wider public is protected.
‘Check in’
Mr Varney said: “Current evidence indicates that most cases appear to be mild, with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms. Older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms, which is why it is important to help protect ourselves and each other. This is a good reminder to all of us to check in on neighbours and loved ones and be conscious of each other.”
Hygiene advice
General good hygiene is being advised as the best way of reducing the spread of the virus. Mr Varney said: “Following Government guidance to take basic hygiene precautions remains the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands. We should do this regularly throughout the day.
“Good regular cleaning with normal detergent of surfaces people touch regularly or may cough onto, like door handles and lift buttons, is also sensible. People should log onto https://gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest advice and information.”
Katie Spence, Deputy Director, Health Protection, Public Health England West Midlands confirmed: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 who is a Birmingham resident. We’re working closely with local NHS colleagues as well as Birmingham City Council to manage the situation and help reduce the risk of further cases.”
Council officials have said that no further details of the case will be released, to protect patient confidentiality.
PHE and the NHS are well-prepared to deal with coronavirus and the priority is to safeguard local communities which sometimes involves taking preventative measures to help reduce the risk of further cases.
Coronavirus COVID-19 presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough and in some cases difficulty breathing. The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild. Anyone who is concerned about health symptoms is advised to check the Government’s website
Panic buying
Supplies of hand sanitiser and soaps in stores locally and across the UK have been severely depleted as consumers rush to stock up.
According to BBC News, the UK’s chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty – addressing MPs on the health and social care committee – said there was “no need” for members of the public to stockpile food or medicine, adding that the outbreak would be a “marathon not a sprint”.
“There is nothing in the current environment that would rationally lead someone to want to go out and stock up on stuff.” he added.
The post City’s health chief reassures residents as first case of COVID-19 confirmed in Birmingham appeared first on B31 Voices.