nCoV Superspreader Linked to Singapore France Spain England

[niman]

More details are coming out on the nCoV super spreader who attended business conferences in Singapore and Les Contamines, France and is linked to 11 nCoV cases in France, Spain, and England

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51459210

Edited February 11, 2020 by niman

[niman]

Coronavirus: UK businessman linked to China virus cases speaks out

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• Coronavirus outbreak

A British man linked to 11 coronavirus cases has spoken for the first time, saying he has "fully recovered" from the illness.

Steve Walsh, who remains quarantined in hospital, says his thoughts are with others who have contracted the virus.

He said his family have been asked to isolate themselves "as a precaution".

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that the spread of the coronavirus would worsen before it improved.

He told MPs in the Commons: "Dealing with this disease is a marathon, not a sprint. The situation will get worse before it gets better.

"We will be guided by the science. Be in no doubt, we will do everything that is effective to tackle this virus and keep people safe."

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Mr Walsh, a gas salesman, from Hove in East Sussex, caught the virus in Singapore and is thought to have infected 11 others at a French ski resort.

Five of the cases linked to Mr Walsh are in England, five are in France and one is in Majorca, Spain.

Two of the people who contracted coronavirus at the chalet where Steve Walsh stayed are Bob Saynor and his wife, Catriona Greenwood,

She worked as a locum GP at the County Oak medical centre in Brighton, which was temporarily closed on Monday.

The number of people known to be infected in the UK is eight.

Quarantine powers 'proportionate'

There have now been more than 40,000 cases of coronavirus worldwide, which has been declared a global health emergency. The death toll in China stands at 1,016.

On Monday, the government issued new powers in England to keep people in quarantine to stop the virus spreading.

Under the Department of Health measures people will not be free to leave quarantine, and can be forcibly sent into isolation if they pose a threat.

Mr Hancock said these powers were "proportionate" and "help us slow down transmission of the virus".

The health secretary also announced that "a capital facility" was being launched immediately "to support any urgent works the NHS needs for the coronavirus response, such as the creation of further isolation areas and other necessary facilities".

As of Tuesday afternoon, a total of 1,358 people have been tested for coronavirus, of which 1,350 were confirmed negative and eight positive, the Department of Health said.

Image copyrightPA MEDIA

Meanwhile, Patcham Nursing Home in Brighton confirmed on Tuesday that it has "closed to all visitors" after one of the infected GPs visited a patient there.

A spokeswoman for the care home said: "It is important to state that no-one at the home is unwell.

"However, following the closure of the local GP surgery, as a precaution we have closed the home to all visitors."

She added that the care home had conducted checks on residents and staff, which Public Health England was happy with.

Last month, two other people - who are related - were confirmed as having coronavirus after being taken ill at a hotel in York.

It was later revealed that one is a student at the University of York.

Mr Walsh contracted the coronavirus at a work conference in Singapore, before travelling to a French ski resort for a holiday on his way back to the UK.

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In a statement from quarantine in Guy's Hospital in London, Mr Walsh, a cub scout leader, thanked the NHS for their care.

He said he contacted his GP, NHS 111 and Public Health England, on learning he had been exposed to a confirmed case of coronavirus.

He added: "I was advised to attend an isolated room at hospital, despite showing no symptoms, and subsequently self-isolated at home as instructed.

"When the diagnosis was confirmed I was sent to an isolation unit in hospital, where I remain, and, as a precaution, my family was also asked to isolate themselves."

He thanked friends, family and colleagues for their support, adding: "I ask the media to respect our privacy."

What are the symptoms of coronavirus and what can help stop its spread?

The main signs of infection are fever (high temperature) and a cough as well as shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Frequent hand washing with soap or gel, avoiding close contact with people who are ill and not touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, can help cut the risk of infection.

Catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue, binning it and washing your hands can minimise the risk of spreading disease.

Anyone experiencing symptoms, even if mild, after travelling from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau, is advised to stay indoors and call the NHS 111 phone service.

In a statement, Servomex, Mr Walsh's employer, said it continues to "provide support" to him and his family.

A company spokesperson added: "We are working with public health authorities to ensure the welfare of our staff and communities and wish anyone with the virus a quick and full recovery."

Servomex said it had "acted quickly" to put "preventative measures" in place, including introducing travel restrictions and enforcing self-isolation for employees who attended the Singapore conference or who have shown symptoms of the virus.

"We wish Steve well and hope he recovers soon."

The Scout Association said Mr Walsh, who is one of its volunteers, had not been to any Scout meetings since his return to the UK.

It comes as a second GP surgery in Brighton closed on Tuesday following confirmed cases of coronavirus in the city.

The County Oak Medical Centre was closed on Monday after a member of staff tested positive for the virus.

Now a second branch - located in Deneway, less than two miles away - has also shut.