The Isle of Wight’s second confirmed Coronavirus (Covid-19) case has now been disclosed.
It’s been a week since the first case was confirmed last Saturday.
The new case was revealed in the centrally-held figures of the UK Government.
No more details are available at this time.
The Government’s number of nationally confirmed figures now stands at 1,140.
A breakdown of national figures can be found on the Covid-19 Dashboard.
Government Covid-19 guidance: Stay alert and stay safe
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently (video tips).
Social distancing
It is recommended that you maintain at least a two metre gap (about 6.5ft) from people who are not from your household.
Seeking advice
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service that can tell if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
The Isle of Wight council later issued this following release. Ed
14 March 2020, 22:47
It has been confirmed on the government Website this evening (14 March) that a second Isle of Wight resident has tested positive for COVID-19.
Public Health England staff continue working with the Isle of Wight Council and NHS colleagues to manage the impact of the virus on the Island.
Simon Bryant, the council’s director of public health, said:
“I’d like to reassure people that the council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure Islanders are protected.
“If you have not been contacted by Public Health England as a close contact of the confirmed cases you do not need to take any action at this time.
“Good hygiene 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 have new symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home and do not leave your house for seven days from when your symptoms started.
“It is really important that in order to protect others, you don’t go to your doctor, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact NHS 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
“There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and others online at www.gov.uk/coronavirus“
Measures for people to take
The government has continued to stress that the most important thing people can do to protect themselves remains washing their hands more often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water. Make sure you cough or sneeze into a tissue, put it in a bin and wash your hands.
The government is also asking for anyone who shows certain symptoms (see below) to self-isolate for seven days, regardless of whether they have travelled to affected areas. This means you should stay at home and avoid all but essential contact with others for seven days from the point of displaying mild symptoms, to slow the spread of infection.
The symptoms are: a high temperature (37.8 degrees and above) AND/OR a new, continuous cough.
People do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation. If symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after seven days, you should contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk.
If you have no internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.
Local context
The Isle of Wight Council continues to adhere to government guidance, as issued by the NHS and Public Health England, and signpost people to the most up-to-date official sources of information and advice.
Article edit
10.41am 15th Mar 2020 – Press release from IWC added
Image: Ani Kolleshi under CC BY 2.0
