We understand that some people are worried. The latest advice is as follows:

There are no positive COVID-19 cases in the South West, but our local health and care services are well prepared with well-rehearsed plans in place to deal with any potential outbreaks.

We would like to reassure people that, should a case be confirmed anywhere in the country, Public Health England would contact all those who have come into close contact with them and give specific advice of what action to take.

Government advice is reviewed daily and updated regularly. For the latest information, advice and guidance, check out https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public.

The most recent advice (25 February) states that if you have travelled to the UK from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and are experiencing cough, fever or shortness of breath, to stay indoors and call NHS 111, even if symptoms are mild.

If you have returned from these specific areas since February 19, you should call NHS 111 and stay indoors and avoid contact with other people even if you do not have symptoms:

·       Iran

·       Specific lockdown areas in Northern Italy as designated by the Government of Italy

·       Special care zones in South Korea as designated by the Government of the Republic of South Korea

·       Hubei province (returned in the past 14 days)

If you have returned from the following areas since February 19 and develop symptoms, however mild, you should stay indoors at home and avoid contact with other people immediately and call NHS 111. You do not need to follow this advice if you have no symptoms.

·       Northern Italy (defined by a line above, and not including, Pisa, Florence and Rimini),

·       Vietnam

·       Cambodia

·       Laos

·       Myanmar