Luton director of public health 'working closely with NHS colleagues' after two coronavirus cases confirmed in town

Luton's director of public health is 'working closely' with Public Health England and the NHS after two cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the town.
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At the time of press, 324 people have been officially diagnosed with the disease in the UK, with six confirmed deaths.

Luton Borough Council’s director of public health and wellbeing, Gerry Taylor, said: “Luton now has two confirmed cases of coronavirus and we are working closely with Public Health England and NHS colleagues to manage the situation and help reduce the risk of further cases.

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“We are unable to provide any more details about the cases as NHS and Public Health England do not release information on individuals due to patient confidentiality.

CoronavirusCoronavirus
Coronavirus

“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.

“I would urge residents to help us to reduce the spread of the virus. Following Government guidance to take basic hygiene precautions remains the best way of minimising the chances of spreading any virus - sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently in soap and water for 20 seconds and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands.

“We should do this all day every day as we should for flu.

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“Good regular cleaning with normal detergent of surfaces people touch regularly or may cough onto, like door handles and lift buttons, is also sensible.”

NHS advise the following to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus:

> Wash your hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds.

> Always wash your hands when you get home or into work.

> Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

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> Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.

> Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards.

> Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

> Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

Wizz Air has pulled all Luton flights to Italy until April 3, as well as flights to Israel until March 23 in a bid to contain the virus.

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Empty shelves are also reported in stores across the country as worried customers stockpile hand sanitiser, toilet paper and cleaning supplies.

Sainsbury’s supermarket in Luton was reported to have been “raided” over the weekend. Despite alarming stories shared across social media, Bedfordshire Police stated it has received no reports of fights or public disorder in relation to panic buying.

The government has announced it will relax rules around store deliveries overnight to help supermarkets replenish their stock.

Helen Dickinson OBE, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Our members are working hard to ensure consumers have access to the products they need. Even where there are challenges, retailers are well-versed in providing effective measures to keep retail sites running smoothly, and they are working with suppliers to increase the supply of goods.

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“Retailers are currently facing a rise in demand for certain products unprecedented outside of the Christmas period. However, this is largely been limited to hygiene and longer shelf-life food products.

“The BRC and its members are also working with the Government to find ways to mitigate the impact of coronavirus. Together we are looking at ways of supporting all consumers, including those who are self-isolating.

“The BRC has given government a list of regulations where relaxation would ease pressure in the supply chain, including extending drivers hours and giving flexibility on delivery times to stores.

“Meanwhile, we urge all customers to follow Public Health England’s advice: to wash hands frequently with hot water and soap for 20 seconds or use alcohol hand gel.”

NHS advice on coronavirus can be found at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/. Latest information is also posted on the government website www.gov.uk/coronavirus.