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Three Staffordshire Police officers have been sent home as they await the results of a coronavirus test on a woman prisoner.

It is understood that The Northern Area Custody Facility at Etruria went into lockdown this morning after the woman fell ill.

The woman, a non-UK national, had been arrested in Burton before being transferred to Stoke-on-Trent.

She has now undergone testing for coronavirus with the results expected later this week.

In the meantime two police constables and a PCSO have been told to self isolate as a precaution.

(Image: Wesley Webster)

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "Three members of Staffordshire Police are staying at home as a precautionary measure after reports that a woman who had been detained in custody was unwell.

"The woman, who is a non-UK national, was arrested in Burton and taken to Northern Area Custody in Stoke-on-Trent.

"Tests have taken place but health officials believe it is ‘highly unlikely’ the woman has Covid-19 (coronavirus).

"The results of the tests will be known later this week and in the meantime the two police constables and a PCSO are staying at home as a precautionary measure in accordance with NHS guidelines."

A source told StokeonTrentLive: "A Chinese woman was taken to custody at Etruria this morning and was believed to have been suffering with coronavirus.

"Custody staff and police officers were sent home. The custody facility was on lockdown for about an hour before it reopened. They are now taking prisoners as normal."

The virus has now claimed 2,004 lives in China, according to the latest Chinese data released on Wednesday.

There have been 74,185 confirmed infections recorded in mainland China and about 700 cases in other countries.

Meanwhile, the government today declared a 'serious and imminent threat to public health' after a patient quarantined in Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside attempted to abscond.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

While a person with the virus can show no outward symptoms, early signs can include a fever, diarrhoea, a dry cough, shortness of breath and general body aches.

Some patients also report feeling tired and confused.

More serious cases of the virus can lead to a high fever, kidney failure and pneumonia.

While the disease is being treated as an "imminent threat", some of the symptoms of coronavirus are similar to those seem in other respiratory conditions - such as the flu or the common cold.

What is the HSE advice?

Dr Sarah Doyle, HSE Consultant in Public Health Medicine said: “The HSE has plans in place to respond to cases of Covid-19 (coronavirus).

"If it’s possible that you have Covid-19 we want to know as soon as possible. This is so we can take the necessary public health measures to stop the virus from spreading.

"If you have travelled from mainland China in the past 14 days and have shortness of breath, cough or fever, phone a doctor as soon as possible. If you have travelled from mainland China and have no symptoms contact HSE Live for advice.

"The most important action we can take to protect ourselves from Covid-19 is regular hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene.”

To avoid catching or spreading the virus, experts advise washing hands after coughing or sneezing and throw away tissues used.

Using alcohol gel or washing hands after using public transport and avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Who is most at risk from coronavirus?

People of all ages can contract coronavirus, but once caught it's more dangerous for young children, the elderly, people with pre-existing health conditions, or people with weakened immune systems.