A patient at Furness General Hospital has been confirmed with Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This brings the total number of Cumbrian cases to nine.

Foluke Ajayi, chief operating officer at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are currently treating a patient at Furness General Hospital who has tested positively for COVID-19 (Coronavirus). 

"The patient is being cared for appropriately and we are working with experts from Public Health England to provide advice to colleagues who have cared for the patient during their time with us as well as visitors.

“Our dedicated staff are used to managing infectious diseases and its important to stress that all our hospitals are operating as normal. We have received updated guidance for healthcare workers and will ensure we operate within these guidelines.

“If anyone has any appointment please attend as normal unless you are contacted by our teams. If anyone is feeling unwell and has any concerns about their symptoms they should call the ring NHS 111 service.”

Colin Cox, Cumbria's Director of Public Health, said: “As this outbreak develops in the UK it is likely we will see more cases of COVID-19 identified in hospitals.

"Dealing with infectious diseases is something they do every day and hospitals have well developed plans and procedures in place.

"Having spoken with the trust it is clear they are implementing a sensible and proportionate plan to manage the situation.

"The key message for the public is that the general risk remains low, the hospital is open and people should continue to attend appointments unless advised otherwise.”