Second coronavirus death in Cheshire East confirmed

Dr Matt Tyrer, acting director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “Sadly, we have today been informed that a woman being cared for at Leighton Hospital, who had tested positive for Covid-19, has died.

“The patient, who died on Sunday, was in her 60s and had underlying health conditions. Her family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this distressing and difficult time.

“Given the latest scientific evidence around Covid-19 and its infectiousness, the likelihood is that, sadly, there will be more deaths from this virus in the borough. 

“I would like to reassure everyone who lives and works in the borough that the council is working with its partners to ensure the protection of the public to the best of our ability and to defeat this virus over time. Cheshire East Council continues to work closely with Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England to ensure we have the very latest advice and that best practice is adhered to.

“We are working closely with partners in the NHS to ensure the most vulnerable people are protected. We are committed to ensuring that people have clear and up-to-date information to enable them to make the most informed decisions for themselves and their families.

“Advice on how people can protect themselves can be found online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

“We would reiterate that prevention is always better than cure. So, as with the flu virus, the most effective way for people to protect themselves from Covid-19 is to adopt good respiratory and hand hygiene to prevent the risk of infection and a ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach to coughs and sneezes. 

“People are also advised to avoid contact with anyone who is unwell and showing symptoms of coronavirus. As the situation develops, guidance is updated daily.”

Guidance for households where a person is exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 has changed:

• If you live alone and you have symptoms of Covid-19, however mild, stay at home for seven days from when your symptoms started. (For further guidance, see 'ending isolation')
• If you live with others and one of you has symptoms of coronavirus, then all household members must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill. Anyone without symptoms can end their self isolation after 14 days, even if other members of their household have symptoms. However, if a member of an isolating household starts showing symptoms, that individual must self isolate for at least seven days from the onset of those symptoms (even if this would extend their isolation beyond 14 days).

For the latest guidance on coronavirus, visit the Public Health England website.