Coronavirus in Portsmouth: 42 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in city as UK deaths rise to 578 so far

THE number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Portsmouth has increased to 42.
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Public Health England have announced the official Covid-19 figures for Thursday, March 25.

The total number of positive coronavirus cases in Portsmouth rose by nine in the space of 24 hours, going from 33 to 42.

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It comes as the UK total reached 11,658 an increase of 2,100 on Wednesday’s figures.

Police presence at Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Picture: Habibur RahmanPolice presence at Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Police presence at Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Picture: Habibur Rahman
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Public turn out across Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport and Havant to clap the staff...

The Hampshire total rose to 341, including 42 cases in Portsmouth and 32 in Southampton.

PHE announced that the total number of people who had died after testing positive for coronavirus is now 578.

As of Thursday there have been 9,782 cases of Covid-19 in England, 894 in Scotland, 741 in Wales and 241 in Northern Ireland.

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104,866 people have been tested for the virus, with 93,208 testing negative.

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.

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.

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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.

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

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