Cheshire East Council has revealed that a person in the Macclesfield area has been confirmed as having the coronavirus.

It is the first case in the borough.

It brings the cases of the coronavirus in the region of Cheshire up to three, with a case in Warrington and Chester also confirmed.

Dr Matt Tyrer, acting director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: "Cheshire East Council has been made aware of a case of Covid-19 within the borough and is working with partners.

"We are in regular contact with Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England to ensure that the very latest protocols are adhered to.

"The current advice for travellers is that if you have been to one of the countries highlighted by PHE, you should follow the instructions on their website – please don't go to your GP or local walk-in centre/A&E.

"Advice on how people can protect themselves can be found online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

"Prevention is always better than cure, so, as with the flu virus, the most effective way for people to protect themselves from Covid-19 is to adopt good respiratory and hand hygiene to prevent the risk of infection and a 'catch it, bin it, kill it' approach to coughs and sneezes. As the situation develops guidance is updated daily."

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An NHS spokesperson said: "Following the announcement that an individual in the Macclesfield area has been confirmed as having the coronavirus, Public Health England (PHE) is working in partnership with Cheshire East Council.

"Patients and staff can be reassured that their safety is the top priority and patients are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual."