The first confirmed case of Coronavirus is understood to be being treated at a Suffolk hospital.

Officials have confirmed the person affected has recently returned from a trip to Italy but would not say where the patient lives.

Dr David Edwards, Consultant in Health Protection, Public Health England East, said: "Public Health England is contacting people who have had close contact with the confirmed case of COVID-19. We are working closely with local NHS colleagues as well as Suffolk County Council to manage the situation and help reduce the risk of further cases.

"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."

Shotley Peninsula Nub News reported last month how a family returning from a half-term holiday in Italy and self-isolated, although their year seven daughter, had spent a few hours at Holbrook Academy before going home. There is no confirmation the cases are linked.

Suffolk County Council's Director of Public Health, Stuart Keeble said: "We can confirm that we have our first case of coronavirus in Suffolk. We understand that the individual recently returned from a trip to Italy. The patient is receiving help from the NHS, and Public Health England is working to trace any contacts in order to prevent the further spread of the virus.

"This new case is not unexpected. We fully anticipate an increase in numbers which is why our services have planned for, and are ready, for this situation.

"We have established a multiagency group which is working together to respond to the situation and is meeting on a regular basis.

"The most important thing you can do to significantly reduce the spread of the virus is to take basic hygiene precautions including washing your hands frequently with warm soapy water for 20 seconds, don't touch your face unless you've just washed your hands. If you do not have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer. Sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it and wash your hands. We should do this all day every day as we should for flu.

"If you are concerned that you may have coronavirus, call NHS 111 in the first instance and do not go to your GP or to the hospital. They will be able to guide you."

The case is one of the 319 which have now been announced by Public Health England nationally since the outbreak began.

The virus, which was first seen in Chinese patients has killed five people so far in the UK.

A further five people have already tested positive for coronavirus, known as Covid-19, in Essex.

According to Public Health England figures, it has still not been revealed where 23 patients who have tested positive for the virus are from.

Suffolk County Council, PHE and the NHS are well prepared to deal with coronavirus. The priority is to safeguard local communities which sometimes involves taking preventative measures to help reduce the risk of further cases.

For more information and advice on coronavirus see: Covid-19

The case is one of the 319 which have now been announced by Public Health England nationally since the outbreak began.

The virus, which was first seen in Chinese patients has killed five people so far in the UK.

A further five people have already tested positive for coronavirus, known as Covid-19, in Essex.

According to Public Health England figures, it has still not been revealed where 23 patients who have tested positive for the virus are from.