Five people in Leicestershire have been confirmed with coronavirus

Five Leicestershire residents have now been confirmed to have coronavirus as three new cases emerged this afternoon.

All three new cases are relatives of the person confirmed with the virus on Monday March 9, said Public Health England (PHE) and Leicestershire County Council.

None of the five Leicestershire people have been named.

Together with the local NHS, Public Health England and the county council are continuing to work closely together in Leicestershire to respond to the growing health crisis.

PHE is now striving to trace everyone who may have had close contact with the three new cases.

“All three are family members of the case confirmed on Monday (9 March),” said a spokesman.

“Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after they had contact with the confirmed case.

“This tried and tested method will ensure that any risk to them is minimised and the wider public is protected.”

Mike Sandys, director of public health for the county council, urged people across Harborough and throughout Leicestershire to stay calm as the threat to the public remains “low”.

Mr Sandys said: “It’s important to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low.

“We are working closely with colleagues in health to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Leicestershire are protected.”

He repeated the advice of the government and top health professionals to wash your hands frequently in a bid to stave off the coronavirus.

“It’s a simple step but the best thing people can do is to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly.

“Good hygiene is the best prevention and this includes washing your hands regularly and thoroughly,” insisted Mr Sandys.

“If you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

“If you have recently been to one of the affected areas and are feeling unwell, you should use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service or call NHS 111 for further advice straight away – please don’t go to your doctor or a hospital.

“There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus”

The first case confirmed in Leicestershire was announced on Saturday March 7 and the second on Monday March 9.

The three new cases confirmed today bring the total across Leicestershire up to five.

Another separate case at Loughborough University was reported last Saturday but the patient doesn’t live in Leicestershire.