A person has tested positive for coronavirus in south Manchester.

A patient who had been admitted to Wythenshawe Hospital has contracted the COVID-19 virus.

A spokesperson on behalf of The Health and Social Care System in Manchester confirmed the hospital remains open to the public, and patients should keep planned appointments.

They advised that the risk to the public remains low.

Public Health England have confirmed they have begun a contact tracing process, to get in touch with individuals who may have been exposed.

It is not yet clear where the patient contracted the virus.

A spokesperson said in a statement: "We can confirm that a patient who was admitted to Wythenshawe Hospital has tested positive for COVID-19.

"The hospital remains open and we would ask that people keep their appointments and attend unless they are unwell.

"Please note the risk from the virus for the majority of people is low.

"The Trust has strict protocols in place to manage the control of infection and to reduce the possibility of cross infection.

"Public Health England experts are carrying out contact tracing and will be in touch with individuals who may have been exposed to the virus to provide them with advice."

(Image: MEN Media)

The announcement brings the total number of cases in the region to five.

Three people from Bury and one person from Bolton, have also tested positive for the virus.

Two people who tested positive in Bury are known to a man from Bury who also tested positive on Sunday after flying from Milan to Manchester.

The person in Bolton is not connected to the Bury cases and became infected while in Italy.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

An isolation pod consisting of a small trailer and portaloo has been set up at Wythenshawe Hospital as NHS hospitals across the country try to stop the spread of the virus.

David Regan, the director of public health for Manchester told city councillors on Tuesday, that nurses could soon start testing people with suspected coronavirus in their homes.

(Image: Manchester council)

A home-based service would be an extension of the NHS 111 - the first point of contact for anyone with concerns they have signs and symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.

Community-based screening services have already been rolled out in London - with one health trust inviting people for ‘drive through’ coronavirus testing in their cars .

The total number of people who have contracted coronavirus in the UK currently stands at 53.

Two more people in Scotland were diagnosed with the virus on Wednesday morning, the Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said.

There have been no confirmed deaths in the UK, although a British man who lives abroad did die after contracting coronavirus on the quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess.

The death toll from coronavirus in Italy has jumped to 79 from coronavirus, it is reported.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Meanwhile, there have been 15 new deaths in Iran, bringing the total number of deaths from coronavirus in Iran to 92, according to the health ministry.

Anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus should call 111 or visit here as the first port of call.