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NHS update on new cases of coronavirus confirmed today

Earlier today it was publicly confirmed that four patients transferred from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan had tested positive for coronavirus. 

These four people have now been transferred to three specialist NHS infection centres.

Two patients are in the Royal Hallamshire in Sheffield, one is in the Royal in Liverpool and a fourth was transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle tonight.

These are three of the five specialist centres ready and prepared for cases as part of extensive NHS plans.

Professor Keith Willett, NHS strategic incident director for coronavirus said: “The four patients with coronavirus have now been transferred from Arrowe Park to specialist NHS infection centres in Sheffield, Liverpool and Newcastle.

“These specialist centres are well prepared to deal with cases and earlier this year, the Newcastle unit successfully treated and discharged two patients who had contracted the virus.

“I would like to thank the excellent NHS staff who managed the transfers today as well as those who will now be caring for these patients.

“We’ve seen in communities across the country a calm response to confirmed and potential cases of coronavirus, which will continue to be important as more of us might need to self-isolate for a time, to protect ourselves, our families and the community.

“Anyone concerned they have symptoms must continue to use NHS 111 as their first point of contact for advice. People should also continue to follow public health advice – wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and put used tissues in the bin immediately.”