Coronavirus case confirmed in Birmingham by health officials

Health officials have confirmed that a patient in Birmingham has tested positive for coronavirus today.

The UK Chief Medical Officer issued a statement today (Thursday 5th March) announcing news of a positive case for coronavirus infection in Birmingham.

According to an official statement, Public Health England (PHE) is contacting people who may have had close contact with the patient, and are working closely with NHS colleagues and Birmingham City Council to manage the current situation in the city, in a bid to reduce the risk of further cases.

This news comes only a week after the recent case of pupils from a Midlands school who were tested for the virus after returning from trip to Italy, where the coronavirus threat is presently high.

Birmingham City Council’s Director of Public Health, Justin Varney said:

“This new case of coronavirus is nothing unexpected. We expected that at some point we would have our first case and we have worked with partners in the NHS and PHE and our services have planned for this, and are ready, for this situation.

“I’d like to reassure citizens that the risk to the general public remains low and Birmingham City Council is working with partners to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Birmingham are protected.

“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. This is a good reminder to all of us to check in on neighbours and loved ones and be conscious of each other.

“Following Government guidance to take basic hygiene precautions remains the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands. We should do this regularly throughout the day.

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

Katie Spence, Deputy Director, Health Protection, Public Health England West Midlands said:

“Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 who is a Birmingham resident. We’re working closely with local NHS colleagues as well as Birmingham City Council to manage the situation and help reduce the risk of further cases.

“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.”

Health officials will not be commenting further on the details of the Birmingham case case due to the need to protect patient confidentiality.

Based on current evidence, coronavirus results in flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing. The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild.

If you’re worried about coronavirus symptoms or have related concerns, please visit: https://gov.uk/coronavirus.