The coronavirus outbreak in the UK continues today after an elderly patient in southern England passed away in hospital.
The death occurred at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading after an “older patient” with underlying conditions had been admitted the night before. The patient had been “previously in and out of hospital for non-coronavirus reasons” according to the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust.
The full statement released states:
“Sadly, we can confirm that an older patient with underlying health conditions has died. The patient has previously been in and out of hospital for non-coronavirus reasons, but on this occasion was admitted and last night tested positive for coronavirus.
The family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
We will not be commenting further and ask that everybody respects the family’s privacy.
Public Health England is contacting anyone who may have come into contact with the affected patient to offer advice.
All services and appointments at the hospital are running normally. The Trust is following established guidelines to minimise the risk of the virus spreading.”
The BBC have reported that the Chief Medical Adviser, Professor Chris Whitty, believes the patient caught the virus in the UK.
Earlier today Professor Whitty claimed that it is now “highly likely therefore that there is some level of community transmission of this virus in the UK now”
The death follows yet another day of sharp rises as the UK infected toll jumped to 115 with 3 new cases in Scotland being announced this morning.
Anyone with symptoms who have come into contact with confirmed cases or have been to areas abroad affected by the virus should self-isolate and call NHS 111 for further guidance.
Journalism Studies undergraduate at the University of Stirling
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