Coronavirus Gloucestershire Update and Advice

An update on the developing Coronavirus situation in Gloucestershire and the UK and advice on what you can do to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Sarah Scott, Director of Public Health, Gloucestershire County Council gave an update on Tuesday on the current situation in Gloucestershire with regards to Coronavirus in Gloucestershire.

‘As of 2pm 3 March 2020, there remain only two confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Gloucestershire. The cases are linked and both became infected whilst in Northern Italy. Staff from the council and Public Health England (PHE) continues to provide all necessary support to the individuals involved.’

The advice remains that good hygiene is the best prevention. Washing hands regularly and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds at a time, and covering you mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.

Gloucestershire is well prepared to deal with a whole range of issues through tried and tested methods. The situation is evolving daily and all agencies are working together to minimise the risk of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading in the county. 

Pods in Cheltenham and Gloucester are being set up at hospital sites where people who are unwell and need clinician assessment can be tested for the virus safely. In addition, a drive through testing facility in Brockworth where people can be tested safely and quickly without leaving their vehicle and coming into contact with the general public is being established.

The latest information on the virus is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

This page is updated daily and as of 4 March, a total of 16,659 people have been tested in the UK, of which 16,574 were confirmed negative. 85 were confirmed as positive.

Anyone who is concerned about their health symptoms is advised to follow the advice about what to do on the Government’s website at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public.

People are asked NOT to turn up at their GP surgery or other health services (e.g. hospital), but rather to call NHS 111.

For more advice on how to protect yourselves, your staff and volunteers please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.