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A third person has tested positive for Coronavirus in Teesside after returning from an "affected country".

A resident living in Redcar and Cleveland has returned a postive test result for COVID-19, according to health officials.

The result comes after two people in Stockton were tested positive for the virus this week.

The resident is currently in self-isolation after following advice.

Carole Wood, Interim Director of Public Health at Public Health South Tees, said: “We are working closely with Public Health England after a Redcar and Cleveland resident was confirmed as having tested positive for COVID-19.

“The resident had visited an affected country and on their return followed appropriate advice and immediately self-isolated after calling the NHS 111 helpline.

"We continue to work with key partners and take expert advice to ensure our service to the public is the best it can be."

She added: “In the meantime, I would like to remind people of the very important measures they can take to help contain the virus.”

Government statistics show that, as of 9.00am on March 12, there were 44 cases across the whole of the North east and Yorkshire area, and a total of 491 cases across England.

Based on the World Health Organization’s declaration that this is a public health emergency of international concern, the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the UK from low to moderate.

Dr Gayle Dolan, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health England North East, said: “This individual is resident in Redcar and Cleveland local authority area and has known travel to an affected country.

“The person is self-isolating and there are no further public health actions required.”

Steps to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus:

Wash your hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds

Always wash your hands when you get home or into work

Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve – not your hands – when you cough or sneeze

Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards

Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

Further information is available HERE