Coronavirus: Deadly virus hits Gibraltar – is region safe? Latest travel advice

Coronavirus has hit 77 countries around the world, with Gibraltar the latest country to confirm its first case. A resident who had travelled back from northern Italy, by way of Malaga airport, has tested positive for the disease.

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According to the Gibraltar Health Authority, a patient tested positive for COVID-19 but is recovering well.

Their partner was also tested for the disease but was given the all-clear.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said: “We have a confirmed case of #Coronavirus #Covid19 in Gibraltar.

“The patient had travelled to Northern Italy via Malaga airport.

“The patient is happily recovering well and their partner has no symptoms.

“We will make more information available as soon as we are able to.”

Authorities are now working to trace those who may have been in contact with the sufferer.

The GHA added that it was: “Also carrying out an extensive process of contact tracing.

“This will help to establish who else should get testing.”

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The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its travel advice page for Gibraltar to coincide with the new case.

It has not yet warned against travel.

A statement on the FCO website reads: “There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, some other countries in the region and elsewhere.

“The Government of Gibraltar has introduced a number of precautionary measures, including restrictions for travellers returning from certain countries.”

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The Government of Gibraltar has advised residents against travel to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

It has also put in place screening measures for holidaymakers who meet certain conditions.

The government explains: “These include there being reasonable grounds to suspect the person is or may be infected or contaminated, or has left a country listed in the schedule to the regulations within 14 days of their arrival in Gibraltar.”

Gibraltar is just the latest in a string of countries to report confirmed cases of the virus.

In the UK there are currently 40 confirmed cases.

Today Prime Minister Boris Johnson appeared at a conference to discuss the UK’s plan of action moving forward.

He detailed a four-point plan which aims to protect Britons from the virus which has, so far, taken over 3,100 lives.

It will focus on containing the virus, delaying its spread, researching its origins and cure, and mitigating the impact should the virus become more widespread.

Johnson reminded Britons that the best way to steer clear of the virus is by enforcing proper hand hygiene.

This includes washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

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