First Coronavirus case in Tameside

Tameside has had its first case of Coronavirus.

Writing on Facebook, Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds confirmed that a resident in the borough has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and that he and his family are self isolating at home.

The news was confirmed to him by Public Health England and Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council.

The director of Public Health for Tameside Council, Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy said: "Following a confirmed case of the coronavirus in Tameside I would just like to reassure residents that the risk to individuals here remains low. Close contacts to the confirmed case are being followed up. If you haven’t been contacted by PHE you don’t need to do anything, other than follow the existing advice for the general public.

 “Of those who catch coronavirus, the great majority will have a mild-to-moderate illness – similar to flu. However, we need to protect ourselves and our community – particularly older people and those with pre-existing health conditions. We are working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Tameside are protected.

 “A simple and effective way to protect yourself from coronavirus is by making sure you wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you are unwell make sure you catch your coughs and sneezes in a tissue, throw the tissues away, then wash your hands.

“If you think you might have coronavirus, you've been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus, or you've been in close contact with someone with coronavirus, please use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19 . If you need to speak to someone call NHS 111 – please don’t go to your doctor, pharmacist or hospital as you could pass the infection to others. You will find plenty of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

While risk to the public is still only low to moderate, the government are reminding people of the NHS’s advice to: 

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

And not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands are not clean.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are a cough, a high temperature and shortness of breath.