Another coronavirus case in Hertfordshire has been confirmed.

Professor Chris Whitty has confirmed four new cases of COVID-19 coronavirus today in England, bringing the total cases in the UK to 40.

The areas confirmed with the new cases include Hertfordshire, Devon and Kent.

Only one new case was confirmed in Hertfordshire, while Devon had two new cases.

Professor Whitty said: "All four patients had recently travelled from Italy.

"All are being investigated and contact tracing has begun."

It is believed to be the third case in Hertfordshire - and not fourth - after a clinician at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre who tested positive for Covid-19 has now been confirmed as negative.

Read more about the Mount Vernon case here

Two confirmed cases in Hertfordshire are at Davenport House Surgery in Harpenden and Peartree Spring Primary School in Stevenage.

Dr David Edwards, a consultant in health protection from Public Health East, previously said: "We're working closely with NHS colleagues in that area as well as Hertfordshire County Council to manage the situation and help reduce the risk of further cases.

"Close contacts will be 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."

Hertfordshire County Council’s director of public health, Jim McManus, added: "These new cases of coronavirus are nothing unexpected. We fully anticipate an increase in numbers which is why our services have planned for, and are ready for this situation.

"Current evidence indicates that most cases appear to be mild, with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms.

"Older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms, which is why it is important to help protect ourselves and each other.

“Following Government guidance to take basic hygiene precautions remains the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands. We should do this all day every day as we should for flu.

"Good regular cleaning with normal detergent of surfaces people touch regularly or may cough onto, like door handles and lift buttons, is also sensible.

"People should log onto https://gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest advice and information."