Dudley's first coronavirus case confirmed as GP surgery closes
The first case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Dudley on the same day a patient in Wolverhampton died after testing positive for Covid-19.
Health officials confirmed a person is being treated for coronavirus at Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital.
Meanwhile a patient in their 70s has died after testing positive for the virus in Wolverhampton.
The patient, who had underlying health conditions, was one of three confirmed cases in the city after the first was diagnosed at the weekend.
Health officials in Dudley and Wolverhampton said appropriate measures are in place to safeguard hospital staff, patients and visitors.
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It came as a GP practice was forced to close in Pensnett after a "possible contact case of coronavirus".
High Oak Surgery, close to Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital, told patients it had closed its doors today.
The surgery, in Pensnett High Street, cares for about 3,100 patients. It has been closed until further notice.
There are now four confirmed cases in the Black Country, including the one fatality.
Five patients have also been diagnosed in Staffordshire and Birmingham.
Meanwhile Wolverhampton honeymoon couple Alan Steele and Wendy Marshall Steele, who were caught up on a coronavirus-hit cruise ship, have been speaking of their experiences after being released from quarantine in the UK.
Risk to public remains 'low'
Public Health England and Dudley health officials moved to reassure people that the risk remains 'low' in the borough.
Dr Sue Ibbotson, Centre Director, Public Health England West 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 Dudley.
"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."
Deborah Harkins, Director of Public Health for Dudley, added: "I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and Dudley Council is working with NHS colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Dudley are protected.
"If you have not been contacted by Public Health England as a close contact of the confirmed case, you do not need to take any action at this time.
"Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
"If you have recently been to one of the affected countries or regions or you have been in contact with a confirmed case and are feeling unwell you should use the NHS 111 online service www.111.nhs.uk or phone the NHS 111 helpline for further advice straight away. It is really important that you don’t go to your doctor or a hospital to be tested, to protect others. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and others online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus"
The person is being treated at the Russells Hall Hospital, which is managed by the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.
Trust chief executive Diane Wake added: "Our priority is to keep our patients and staff safe and we are doing all we can to prevent the spread of this virus.
"We are working closely with our health partners to reassure everyone and to stress the importance of hand hygiene.
"As a trust, we are well prepared and are following our robust infection, prevention and control procedures in conjunction with our partners."
This afternoon officials in Wolverhampton gave an update to reveal two further people were being treated.
Closure is 'precautionary'
Staff at High Oak Surgery said the decision to close the surgery today was made to prevent the virus from spreading.
However staff are still taking phone calls from patients.
They posted updates on its Facebook page urging people not to panic, saying the closure was merely a precaution.
The surgery spokesman said: "We are investigating a possible case of contact with coronavirus, unfortunately we have been advised to close our surgery for face to face appointments due to a risk of spreading the virus.
"We are however still taking telephone calls and providing a telephone triage service for urgent enquirers at the moment.
"Please bare with us as our phone lines will be a little busier than usual.
"Please call 111 if you are unable to get through to us on the telephone or your query is urgent/life threatening.
"If you think you have been in contact with the coronavirus please call 111."
They added: "High Oak Surgery is closed until further notice. Please do not panic. This is just a precaution."
Surgery staff urged its patients that need an emergency appointment to visit Keelinge House Surgery or call 01384 77194 for further details.
Dudley Council has been approached for comment.
