We need to do all we can to help prevent the transmission of the virus.

As at 2 March, 13,525 people have been tested in the UK of which 13,485 were confirmed negative and 40 (0.29 per cent) positive.

Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

The risk of individuals contracting (COVID-19) in the UK remains low with the national health system well prepared to support anyone affected as well as minimising the risk of outbreaks occurring.

Cllr Averil Lekau, Cabinet member, Adult’s Social Care and Heath said: “While there are no reported cases in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the best defence against contracting and transmitting coronavirus (COVID-19) is by everyone taking some simple steps to ensure good hygiene. We need everyone’s help in reducing the spread of the virus.”

Symptoms

The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:

• a cough
• a high temperature
• shortness of breath

However, these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are like other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

Call NHS 111 now if you've been to:

• Hubei province in China in the last 14 days
• Iran, areas of northern Italy in lockdown or "special care zone" areas in South Korea since 19 February
• other parts of mainland China or South Korea, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath
• other parts of northern Italy (anywhere north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini), Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar since 19 February and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath
• in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.

The advice from Public Health England for travellers has been updated - find out more at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public#advice-for-travellers

To find out more about COVID-19 visit nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/