It has been announced that there are two confirmed cases of Coronavirus in South Devon.
Both cases were infected whilst in Northern Italy.
The news follows the closure of five schools in South Devon this morning over concerns about the virus. The first school to confirm closure was Churston Ferrers Grammar School.
Galmpton Primary School in Brixham, Collaton St Mary in Paignton, Berry Pomeroy Primary in Totnes, Brixham C of E Primary school also announced they would be closing for the day.
Debra Lapthorne, Centre Director for Public Health England South West, has confirmed in a statement that there are two cases of Coronavirus in South Devon.
Here is the statement:
“Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with two confirmed cases of COVID-19. Both cases are residents from the South Devon area and became infected whilst in Northern Italy.
“Staff from PHE continue to support a secondary school in Torbay where one case attends.
“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.
“This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public. If you have not been contacted by Public Health England, you do not need to take any action at this time.”
Churston Ferrers Grammar School has confirmed it will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday 3rd March.
Over 11,000 people in the UK have been tested with 40 people confirmed as having the virus.
This is a breaking story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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