The GHA has confirmed that a person in Gibraltar has been identified as having the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

In a statement, the Government says plans are in place and are currently being implemented to take all necessary and reasonable steps to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government says the person with confirmed coronavirus was only tested as a precaution as the couple had returned to Gibraltar from Northern Italy before the date that Public Health England advised was relevant for testing people from that area. The GHA says recovery is proceeding well, adding the patient’s partner has not experienced any symptoms.

It adds it's now identifying the health professionals involved, as well as the patient's personal contacts, to establish who else should be tested.

The Government claims the diagnosis and subsequent actions taken are evidence of the preparedness of Gibraltar’s health professionals and the extra precautions taken. It reiterates that it and all relevant agencies have been preparing for this scenario for the last few weeks. A coronavirus exercise is set to take place on Wednesday, with an inflatable tent set up at the rear of St Bernard's Hospital in readiness.

The Government says it is considering its options to increase social distance as a precaution against infection: it may take a decision in the next few days as to whether to limit large public events. In relation to schools, however, it says the current advice is that because children are not badly affected by COVID- 19, closing schools would only serve to increase pressure on the GHA and other public services.

The Government and the GHA say they strongly believe that keeping the community well informed is one of the best ways to keep Gibraltar safe. They therefore ask people to refrain from engaging in speculation on social media and keep themselves informed using official Government sources.

The Minister for Public Health, John Cortes says there’s fluid communication with Public Health England and colleagues in Spain. He adds the presence of the virus in Gibraltar has been reported through relevant public health channels internationally and at a European level.

Government Covid-19 advice:

The Government is confident that Gibraltar is as ready as possible for the impact of the virus. The Government continues to take the advice of our Public Health professionals and the situation is under constant review.

The best thing that everyone can do to protect themselves and their loved ones is to wash hands regularly and well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It is also a good idea not to shake hands, hug or give kisses when greeting colleagues, friends and relatives for the time being, especially if they are over 70. We know that the elderly and people with chronic health conditions are the most vulnerable, so we must all do our part to keep ourselves and our loved ones out of harm’s way.

If you do not feel well, please do not go to the Primary Care Centre or to St Bernard’s Hospital as this puts you and others at greater risk. Go home, avoid public transport and call 111 as soon as you can to tell us about your symptoms.

For almost 90% of people, the symptoms will be very mild and most people who contract the virus will be able to recover well and quickly at home. 99% of people will likely fully recover. The focus now is to increase the distance between people in order to try to slow the spread as much as possible, and to take extra care with older and vulnerable friends and relatives. Think twice before you pay them a visit and strongly consider whether you could phone or video call them instead.

Please look to official sources for advice, particularly www.wuhan.gi.

PROTECT your loved ones – call, don’t visit

WASH your hands

CALL 111 if you feel unwell