HEALTH officials have issued advice after a Hampshire resident tested positive for Coronavirus - the first case in the county since the outbreak in China.

Public Health England have confirmed that 12 further patients have tested positive for the deadly virus in England today.

Bringing the total of UK cases to 51, the patients are from Hampshire, London, Northamptonshire, Bury, Wirral, Greater Manchester, Humberside and Kent.

Hampshire County Council and health authorities are strongly encouraging people to follow national Government guidance to prevent further spread of the illness and limit the numbers affected.

This guidance includes taking basic hygiene precautions as the best way of "significantly reducing" the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands.

Current evidence indicates that most cases appear to be mild, with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms.

However, older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms.

Anyone who has recently travelled to an affected area, been in contact with someone who has, and who has symptoms associated with Coronavirus should not go to A&E or their doctor.

Instead, they are urged to self-isolate at home and ring NHS 111 which has an online Coronavirus service that can tell if you need medical help and advise you what to do.

The symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) include a high temperature, a cough and shortness of breath.

Self-isolation means you should:

• stay at home;

• not go to work, school or public places;

• not use public transport or taxis;

• ask friends, family members or delivery services to do errands for you;

• try to avoid visitors to your home – it's OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food.

According to public health England, anyone affected may need to do this for up to 14-days to reduce the possible spread of infection.