A Cumbrian woman has tested positive for coronavirus - understood to be the first person in the county to do so.

Earlier this afternoon, the woman - who is in her thirties and lives in the Carlisle area - contacted her family to tell them that she had tested positive for the virus today.

It is understood her partner has also tested positive.

They had recently returned from a hoiday in Europe, but they were not said to have been in one of the 'red' areas.

Public Health England declined to comment, saying cases are confirmed at 2pm each day.

However, the News & Star has been given confirmation of the woman's diagnosis from three separate sources - including family members.

The Prime Minister has, meanwhile, has today launched the government’s official coronavirus action plan - the official plan for tackling the spread of the virus.

The document provides people living in the UK with clear official information about the Government’s plans to contain the virus now, how action will develop as the virus accelerates and what people can do to protect themselves and their families.

This includes a step-by-step guide setting out the Government’s four-stage strategy - Contain, Delay, Research and Mitigate, with specific advice for how the public should respond in each phase – including what to expect if the outbreak becomes a pandemic.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I fully understand the public’s concerns about the global spread of this virus and it is likely to become more significant in the coming weeks.

“But keeping the country safe is our overriding priority and today’s plan means we are committed to doing everything possible – based on the advice of our world-leading scientific experts - to prepare for all eventualities.

“We will make sure the NHS gets all the support it needs to continue their brilliant response to the virus so far.

“Crucially, we must also not forget what we can all do to fight this virus - which is to wash our hands with soap and water for the length of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice.

“It’s simple advice but it’s the single most important thing we can all do.”

The Government has issued the following advice to help reduce the risk of the virus spreading:

Experts say that returning travellers who fear they may have been exposed to the virus should stay indoors and avoid contact with other people if they have travelled to the UK from:

Hubei province in China in the last 14 days, even if you do not have symptoms

Iran, lockdown areas in northern Italy or special care zones in South Korea since 19 February, even if you do not have symptoms

other parts of mainland China or South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan or Thailand in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if your symptoms are mild)

other parts of northern Italy (anywhere north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini), Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar or Vietnam since 19 February and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if your symptoms are mild).

The advice also states that if you are worried about the virus, you can:

Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

In Scotland call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours.

In Wales call 111 (if available in your area) or 0845 46 47.

In Northern Ireland call 111.

For a more detailed report see tomorrow's News & Star.