A PERSON who has tested positive for coronavirus is being treated in a Darlington hospital, it has been confirmed.

Health chiefs have said someone who showed symptoms is being treated for the Covid-19 infection at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

No details about the person, their condition, or where they are from, have been made available.

A spokeswoman for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust said: “We can confirm that we are currently caring for a patient who has tested positive for the COVID-19 infection.

“They are being very safely cared for by our highly skilled team at Darlington Memorial Hospital and all of the appropriate protection measures are in place.

“As always, our prime concern is to respect patient confidentiality at all times.

“At this time the number of confirmed or suspected cases locally is very low and we continue to ask for the public’s support.”

The Northern Echo:

Darlington Memorial Hospital 

The spokeswoman said hospital service is continuing to run as normal.

She said: “While we understand people will be worried, we ask for calm and that people follow the national advice and most importantly continue to be vigilant about hand washing.

“Our hospitals are continuing to run as normal.”

On Wednesday, officials from Public Health England North East apologised after a case of the infection was announced in Darlington, when it was in fact in the County Durham area.

A case was confirmed in Gateshead on Friday and figures released on Thursday by Public Health England said there were 49 confirmed cases in the North-East and Yorkshire.

Heather Scott, leader of Darlington Borough Council, has previously said there are robust  said plans in place to support affected communities.

Earlier this week she said: "We want to make sure the public are safe and we as a council will do all we can to put robust measures in place to support our town."