Coronavirus: Portsmouth Covid-19 cases jump to 13 as death toll rises to 5

THE number of positive cases of coronavirus in Portsmouth has jumped to 13.
People are wearing surgical masks to protect themselves against Coronavirus in Commercial Road, Portsmouth. Pictured: Ruby Hughes and Julita Baluta. 
Picture: Habibur RahmanPeople are wearing surgical masks to protect themselves against Coronavirus in Commercial Road, Portsmouth. Pictured: Ruby Hughes and Julita Baluta. 
Picture: Habibur Rahman
People are wearing surgical masks to protect themselves against Coronavirus in Commercial Road, Portsmouth. Pictured: Ruby Hughes and Julita Baluta. Picture: Habibur Rahman

It comes as the UK total neared 4,000 – with Public Health England announcing that 3,983 had Covid-19 in the UK as of 9am on Friday.

In Portsmouth, the cases rose by eight from five on Thursday to 13 just 24 hours later.

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Queen Alexandra Hospital also announced on Friday that four more patients had died after contracting the virus, bringing the total number of deaths in the city so far to five.

The patients were aged between 70 and 98 and had underlying health conditions.

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Coronavirus: Four more people die in Portsmouth after contracting Covid-19

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS medical director Dr John Knighton said: ‘Sadly, we can confirm that four patients who were being cared for at Queen Alexandra Hospital and had COVID-19, have died.

‘The patients, two women, aged 89 and 98, and two men, aged 70 and 90, all had underlying health conditions.

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‘We have informed the families of the patients and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time.’

In Hampshire the total for the local authority reached 107 cases, which when combined with the 13 cases in Portsmouth and seven in Southampton brings the county’s total to 127.

The total number of deaths from coronavirus rose to 177 on Friday.

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PHE have announced that 79 patients have recovered from coronavirus.

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?

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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.

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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