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Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told MPs there are now “four confirmed deaths” connected to the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.
Another patient in the UK has died after contracting the coronavirus, the health secretary Matt Hancock confirmed to MPs today.
A Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust spokesperson said: “The Trust can confirm that a patient in their 70s being treated for underlying health conditions has died. The patient had tested positive for Covid-19.
“The family has been informed and our condolences and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
“We will not be commenting further and ask that everybody respects the family’s privacy.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, responding to an urgent question in the House of Commons, told MPs: “Here in the UK, as of this morning, there were 319 confirmed cases.
“Very sadly this now includes four confirmed deaths.
“I entirely understand why people are worried and concerned and we send our condolences to the families.”
It comes as a spokeswoman for Dudley Council in the West Midlands has confirmed the town’s first case of Covid-19.
The council said the person is currently receiving treatment at the town’s Russells Hall Hospital and appropriate measures have been taken to safeguard staff, patients and visitors.
Dr Sue Ibbotson, Centre Director for Public Health England West Midlands, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with one of the latest confirmed cases of Covid-19. The case is a resident of Dudley.”
Deborah Harkins, Director of Public Health for Dudley, said: “I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and Dudley Council is working with NHS colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Dudley are protected.”
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Two further cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Wolverhampton, the City of Wolverhampton Council has said.
Sue Ibbotson, Centre Director, Public Health England West Midlands, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with the latest confirmed cases of Covid-19, two of whom are residents of Wolverhampton.
“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.”
John Denley, Director of Public Health for the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and that we are working with health partners at a regional and national level to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Wolverhampton are protected.”
