North Lincolnshire's first case of coronavirus has been confirmed.

The patient has recently returned from Italy, which was placed in lockdown on Monday night as the virus spread throughout the country.

Specialists from Public Health England are working with North Lincolnshire Council and NHS colleagues. After the North Lincolnshire case was confirmed on Tuesday.

Andrew Furber, Centre Director for Public Health England Yorkshire and Humber, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close

contact with the latest confirmed case of COVID-19.

"This case is a resident of North Lincolnshire. Close contacts have been 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.”

Penny Spring, Director of Public Health for North Lincolnshire, said: “I’d like to reassure people that we are working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of North Lincolnshire are protected.

“If you have not been contacted by Public Health England as a close contact of the confirmed case you do not need to take any action at this time.”

The patient has recently travelled to the Lombardy region of Italy.

Updates to follow