Joint statement with Public Health England following confirmed case of coronavirus at Wimbledon College

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Joint statement from Public Health England and Merton Council on confirmed COVID-19 case at Wimbledon College, Merton

Dr Yvonne Young, consultant in communicable disease control, PHE London, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with one of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19. The case is a member of staff at Wimbledon College, and became infected whilst in Italy. Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.

“We have been in discussion with Wimbledon College which has taken the decision to close as a number of staff are self-isolating due to being close contacts of this confirmed case. My team have assessed the risk and confirmed that there is currently no information to suggest that there is an increased health risk to any pupils or their families at the college and no recommendation for them to self-isolate. We will update the college and parents if the situation changes in any way.”

Director of Public Health for Merton Council, Dagmar Zeuner, said: “I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and Merton Council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Merton are protected.

“If you have not been contacted by Public Health England as a close contact of the confirmed case you do not need to take any action at this time.

“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

“If you have recently been to one of the affected areas and are feeling unwell, you should phone the NHS 111 helpline for further advice straight away – please don’t go to your doctor or a hospital. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus”

Notes to Editors

  • Merton Council, PHE and the NHS are well prepared to deal with coronavirus. Our priority is to safeguard local communities which sometimes involves taking preventative measures to help reduce the risk of further cases.
  • To date more than 11,750 people have been tested with 35 positive cases. We advise people to follow the advice being issued by PHE, NHS and local authorities.
  • We cannot comment further on individual cases due to patient confidentiality.
  • Details on testing are published daily at 2pm and includes a breakdown of negative and positive tests www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
  • For more information and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19)

PHE https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/