There are now 12 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the North East as the Government released its latest figures.
Public Health England confirmed on Wednesday afternoon there had been one more confirmed patient in Newcastle, and two more in North Tyneside.
That means the number of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 is currently:
- Newcastle - five
- North Tyneside - three
- Sunderland - one
- County Durham - one
- Stockton on Tees - two
A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said the city's latest case is linked to the other four, while North Tyneside Council confirmed the two latest people to test positive were being treated in hospital.
Health bosses also revealed that a case of coronavirus confirmed as being in Darlington on Tuesday is actually in the Durham County Council local authority area.
They apologised for the administrative error and said it "did not delay in any way the public health response to this case".
A spokeswoman for PHE North East said: “PHE North East would like to clarify that a local reporting error led to Darlington Borough Council being identified as an upper tier local authority with one confirmed case of Covid-19.
"This is incorrect and the confirmed case is, as has been reported on our national dashboard, in County Durham. We apologise for this error.
"This minor reporting inaccuracy did not in any way delay the public health response to this case and we are contacting people who had close contact with the confirmed Durham case and they 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 cases.”
Amanda Healy, Durham County Council’s director of public health, said: “We are aware of yesterday’s reporting error and would reiterate Public Health England North East’s message that this did not affect the public health response.
"We continue to work closely with PHE, the NHS and public health teams in other authorities in dealing with this continuously evolving situation.
“The resident diagnosed with coronavirus in County Durham has been offered support. We would like to reassure residents that the risk to people in our area is currently low and the advice to the public remains the same.
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"The best way of protecting yourself against infection is regular handwashing with soap and water or the use of a hand sanitiser when this is not possible.
"And, as with all viruses, coughs and sneezes should be caught in a tissue which should be thrown in the bin before you wash your hands.
“Additionally, anyone who is concerned that they may have the symptoms of coronavirus should call 111 rather than visiting their GP or a hospital. People can also access the latest advice and information on the situation by visiting www.nhs.uk or www.gov.uk.”
Wendy Burke, Director of Public Health, North Tyneside Council, said:
“Two more cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in North Tyneside and we send our best wishes to the two residents and their families.
“The two patients, both adults, are being treated in hospital and we send them and their families our best wishes.
“The risk to the wider public remains low and I would like to reassure residents and visitors that North Tyneside remains a safe place to live, work and visit.
“We are following national guidance and monitoring any changes and we have structures in place for handling this sort of incident, which we exercise and train for."
Dr Gayle Dolan, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health England North East said: “Public Health England’s North East Health Protection Team is aware that two further residents in North Tyneside have been identified as confirmed cases of COVID-19.
"Close contacts are being given health advice about symptoms and contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case.”
The Chancellor has promised the NHS "whatever it needs" in terms of funding to tackle the spread of coronavirus, as the number of UK cases more than doubled in just four days.
Rishi Sunak set out plans for the health service in his Budget and pledged security and support for those who are sick and unable to work due to the spread of Covid-19.
It comes as the Department of Health said 456 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Wednesday, up from 373 at the same point on Tuesday.
This is the largest day on day jump in cases, with cases more than doubling in just four days.
Mr Sunak said: "Whatever extra resources our NHS needs to cope with coronavirus it will get...Whether it's millions of pounds or billions of pounds, whatever it needs, whatever it costs, we stand behind our NHS."
He offered support to any workers who become too ill to work, with new measures including the ability to obtain a sick note by contacting 111 rather than having to visit a GP.
And he said those working in the gig economy or who are self-employed will get quicker and easier access to benefits.
Mr Sunak said he was setting aside a £5bn emergency response fund to support the NHS and other public services, adding that he "will go further if necessary".
