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Public Health England has confirmed between one and four people have coronavirus in Lincolnshire.

The news comes as the number of cases of the disease increases across the country has risen to 163, with one fatality.

A spokesperson for Public Health England has confirmed to Lincolnshire Live that "between one and four" people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the county.

The body told Lincolnshire Live while the cases had been confirmed as coronavirus, it would not release an exact number at this time.

A spokesman said: "There are between one and four confirmed cases, but we aren't confirming actual numbers until there are at least five cases."

It comes after updated figures on the cases were released one day in arrears this afternoon, Friday, March 6.

Earlier today it was confirmed that one person who had recently returned from South Korea in Nottingham, less than 30 miles from the Lincolnshire border, had contracted the virus.

In a statement released earlier following the news, Dr Fu-Meng Khaw, centre director, Public Health England East Midlands, said: "Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with one of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19.

"The case is a resident of Nottingham city and recently returned from South Korea.

"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/s. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public."

Do you know someone who has been affected? Email news@lincolnshireecho.co.uk, via facebook or by telephoning 01522 804300.