Coronavirus: Confirmed Covid-19 cases in Portsmouth rise to 33 as England death toll hits 463

NHS England also said 463 people in England have now died of the disease, after 28 new deaths were confirmed after 8pm.

The patients who died were aged 47 to 93 and all tested positive for Covid-19.

As previously reported, 15 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.

There have now been 251 confirmed cases of the virus in Hampshire and 28 in Southampton.

Confirmed cases in the UK, Public Health England said, are now at 9,529.

Of these at least 135 are known to have recovered.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

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What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.

Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath – but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.

Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat.

It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

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What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to 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 immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS