More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A second person in Kent has been diagnosed with the coronavirus.
It has been confirmed they are connected to the first victim - a man working at Maidstone Studios who recently returned from a trip to Rome - but no other details about them have been released.
KMTV report as officials reveal second coronavirus case in Kent
Kent County Council says it is working in close partnership with all organisations to ensure health and social care systems are prepared "for further increases in the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases".
Director of Public Health for Kent, Andrew Scott-Clark, said: "The work Kent County Council has been carrying out with Public Health colleagues and Kent Resilience partners means we have very well-developed plans in place to deal with whatever comes next.
"I firmly believe that we should be calm and proportionate in our response.
"I am asking all Kent residents to keep washing their hands, be aware of personal hygiene and think carefully about the things you can do to minimise the spread, such as catching coughs and sneezes in tissues and then disposing of those tissues.
"This is the best thing we can all do to slow the spread of the virus.
"We anticipate an increase in numbers which is why our services have planned for, and are ready, for this situation.
"I'd like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and that we continue to work with health colleagues and partners to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Kent are protected.”
"At Kent County Council, we are engaging with our own staff and provider services to ensure they are aware of the latest national guidelines at www.phe.gov/uk/coronavirus.
"We would like to reassure people that the risk to the wider public remains low and you can only catch it if you have been close to someone who has the virus."
Following the publication of the national Action Plan, KCC says all organisations in Kent and Medway are said to be looking closely at their business continuity plans and how these can be adapted as the situation develops.
Officials stressed the NHS and local authorities have plans in place to ensure people receive the essential care and support services they need and are prepared to respond to all eventualities.
Plans are flexible and range from a mild, low impact on services, through to a severe prolonged impact.
KCC says all social care providers are required to have business continuity plans in place so that in the event of any emergency, services continue for our clients, with emphasis on our most vulnerable people.
They are also receiving guidance from Public Health England (PHE), including information on what to do if someone in the setting has contact with a confirmed case.
In such cases, the person affected will be asked to self-isolate and they will be actively followed up by PHE's health protection team.
KCC is ensuring that schools, children's centres, libraries, and other public community settings including early years, are also being regularly reminded of the national guidelines.
The national guidance is that if you have travelled to an affected area recently, or have been in close contact with someone who has, and you think you may have symptoms, the advice is to self-isolate at home, avoid public transport, and call NHS 111 for the next steps or use the online at https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19
KentOnline earlier reported a number of pupils at a Faversham school were in isolation after it was confirmed a family member is fighting coronavirus.
Meanwhile, a thief has been criticised for stealing hand sanitiser stolen from 80-year-old charity shop worker.
Over-50s travel specialists Saga says it has seen a spate of cancellations for its cruises and holidays as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
A judge had something to say when a county lines drug suspect took extreme precautions against coronavirus.
