Coronavirus creeps ever close to Milton Keynes after confirmed case in neighbouring Northants

The coronavirus is creeping ever close to Milton Keynes after a case was confirmed in neighbouring Northamptonshire last night.

Northamptonshire County Council has moved to reassure the general public that the risk remains low.

The eyes of the world were on Milton Keynes three weeks ago when a people on a flight from China were taken to Kents Hill Park Hotel for two weeks of isolation, read more here.

There have been no confirmed cases in Milton Keynes at the time of writing.

But one Bletchley resident has taped up their letterbox and put signs in windows as they self-isolate - read full story here.

The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed on Tuesday afternoon (March 3) that a patient in bordering Northamptonshire has the virus. It has now been announced by the centre director of Public Health England in the East Midlands that the resident became infected while in Italy.

Dr Fu-Meng Khaw said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with one of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19.

"The case is a resident of Northamptonshire and became infected whilst in Italy

“Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case/s.

"This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”

But Lucy Wightman, director of public health for Northamptonshire County Council, says people should not be overly concerned.

“I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and the local authority is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Northamptonshire are protected.

“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 recently been to one of the affected areas and are feeling unwell, you should phone the NHS 111 helpline for further advice straight away – please don’t go to your doctor or a hospital."

That is at odds with the views of Milton Keynes businessman ?? speaking to the MK Citizen from China on Tuesday night.

He believes people are not being told "the truth" about how truly infectious the disease is - read the full story here.

Advice on how to protect yourself from coronavirus can be found on the NHS website.