Confirmed COVID-19 case in Rutland

Dr Fu-Meng Khaw, Centre Director, Public Health England East Midlands, said:

“Public Health England is aware that one of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19 is a resident of Rutland.

“Most adults in good health who develop symptoms of COVID-19 will fully recover, and the Chief Medical Officer has advised that it is not necessary for them to be tested. However, to protect the most vulnerable, people with symptoms should stay at home for the specified timescales to reduce the spread in the community.

“Throughout the ‘delay’ phase, we are prioritising tests for those who require hospital care for pneumonia or acute respiratory illness – while continuing to investigate outbreaks, i.e. where several cases are connected, especially in a particular setting such as a care home. The surveillance data we report monitors, support and informs the public health actions we are taking while no longer providing a running commentary of individual cases.”

Mike Sandys, Director of Public Health for Rutland County Council, said:

“Although this is the first official laboratory confirm case in Rutland, it is reasonable to assume that there are likely to be other cases in the county that have not received the official test since routine community testing was stopped.
“Rutland County Council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Rutland are protected.

“It is essential that residents of Rutland stay at home to stop the virus from spreading. We all have the potential to spread this virus. We therefore need to do all we can to stop it.

“Good hygiene and staying at home is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands.regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

“If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, or your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, then use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service. If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.”