It has been confirmed that two positive cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) have been identified on one of our inpatient wards at Walsall Manor Hospital.

An extensive ‘contact tracing’ exercise is now underway to trace anyone who might have had close (face to face) contact with the patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. This will be undertaken in partnership with the trust and the Public Health England within the West Midlands.

Close contacts to the patients concerned will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure that any risk to them is minimised and the wider public is protected.

Based on current evidence, COVID-19 typically presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing.

Dr Matthew Lewis, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust Medical Director, said: “To protect yourself, please be scrupulous with your hand hygiene and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. If you sneeze or cough, use a tissue and then put it straight in the bin. Thorough hand washing will help to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“Patients with appointments or who need to attend for urgent or emergency care should still come to hospital.”