THE location of a further coronavirus case in the North-East has been revealed by Public Health England as the total number of cases in the UK rises sharply.

On Thursday (March 12), Public Health England confirmed the number of cases in the North-East and Yorkshire had now risen to 44, up 12 from the day previous.

Confirming a new case of COVID-19 had been reported on Teesside - the third to be reported so far - Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council issued a statement this afternoon.

Carole Wood, Interim Director of Public Health at Public Health South Tees said: “We are working closely with Public Health England after a Redcar and Cleveland resident was confirmed as having tested positive for COVID-19.

“The resident had visited an affected country and on their return followed appropriate advice and immediately self-isolated after calling the NHS 111 helpline.

"We continue to work with key partners and take expert advice to ensure our service to the public is the best it can be."

Meanwhile in North Yorkshire, Public Health England confirmed its first COVID-19 case had been reported to the authorities.

Dr Simon Padfield, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health England Yorkshire and Humber, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

"The case is a resident of North Yorkshire. 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.”

'Overall risk to North Yorkshire remains low'

Richard Flinton, Chair of North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum and Chief Executive of North Yorkshire County Council, said:

“In North Yorkshire we have well established, tried and tested partnership working practices which help us to manage the impact of very significant challenges and issues and to focus our joint resources where they are needed most.    

“By continuing this approach, we have the best possible chance of minimising impacts on our residents, which is our shared single most important goal.

“Alongside the County Council, the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum includes Public Health England, regional Public Health, the NHS, the police, fire service and district councils. Together, and with wider partners, regular planning and scenario sessions are taking place based on the latest expert national guidance.

“Understandably, this is a continuously evolving and fast-moving situation – which is why the agencies are prioritising planning and responding to it as the public would understand.

“While we do not expect it, we are planning for a reasonable worst case scenario so we are as prepared as possible should that be needed.

“It’s important to remember that across North Yorkshire overall the risk remains low.

“We all need to continue to follow the advice regarding sensible precautions and go about our business as usual.

“We are grateful to the public for their continued support.”

So far confirmed cases have been reported by local authorities in Newcastle, Sunderland, Stockton, County Durham, North Tyneside and York.