A BRADFORD resident is among three people who tested positive for coronavirus in West Yorkshire.

Of the confirmed cases in the region so far, one person from Bradford contracted the illness after visiting Italy while two from Leeds were infected on a visit to Iran.

But officials have reassured those in the district that the chance of catching coronavirus is 'low'.

In a joint statement, Directors of Public Health for Leeds City Council and Bradford Council, Victoria Eaton and Sarah Muckle, added: “We would like to send our best wishes to those affected as they continue their recovery. “Leeds and Bradford have robust infection control arrangements in place and strong partnership arrangements across the health and care system.

“The councils are working closely with Public Health England, the NHS and all our health and care partners to prevent further spread of the virus.

“As such, the risk to people living, working, studying and visiting Leeds and Bradford remains low and the cities are very much open for business.

“In the meantime, it is important to follow good hygiene practices and if you show symptoms please ring NHS 111 rather than ring your GP or go to a hospital. For the latest advice visit gov.uk/coronavirus.

“Leeds City Council and Bradford Council will continue to work with Public Health England to share timely and relevant information with the public and our partners.''

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New advice from the government instructs anyone with or without flu-like symptoms who recently travelled to Northern Italy or Iran - two high risk areas - to self-isolate for two weeks.

12 new patients have been identified across England today, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the UK to 35.

All of the newly identified cases are being investigated and health officials have begun tracing anyone who had close contact with them.

Dr Simon Padfield, consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health England Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with three cases of Covid-19 confirmed in West Yorkshire.

"One of the cases is a resident of Bradford who became infected whilst in Italy and the other two cases are residents of Leeds who both became infected whilst in Iran."