A SECOND person has been diagnosed with coronavirus in Oldham.

Oldham Council has confirmed a second case of COVID-19 in the area, but says the risk to local residents remains low.

The update was issued yesterday afternoon and states that the town is prepared for an outbreak of this kind and there are "robust plans" in place to minimise any disruption.

Katrina Stephens, director of public health in Oldham, issued a message on the council's website this morning.

She said: "Public Health England (PHE), Oldham Council and the local NHS are working closely together to effectively manage this case. PHE is currently contacting people who may have had close contact with the confirmed case.

"Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after they had contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure that any risk to them is minimised and the wider public is protected.

"Oldham has robust infection control arrangements in place and strong partnership arrangements across the health and care system.

"We will continue to work with Public Health England to share timely and relevant information with the public and our partners."

The second resident is believed to have been infected while in Thailand. They are currently self-isolating.

Oldham's first case was confirmed after a resident caught the virus in Northern Italy.

Current evidence shows that coronavirus causes flu-like symptoms include a fever, a cough, and difficulty breathing. Most cases appear to be mild.

To avoid catching the virus, regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitiser if soap is not available, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.

Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

The Government has advised people who have travelled to the UK from Iran, Hubei province in China, Daegu and Cheongdo in South Korea, or lockdown areas in northern Italy in the last 14 days to self-isolate, even if they do not have symptoms.

Anyone who has travelled from other areas of China, South Korea, Italy, any part of Cambodia, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, or Vietnam in the last two weeks should self-isolate if they have any symptoms.

If you think you have coronavirus, contact NHS 111 to find out what to do next, and avoid going to your GP, pharmacy, or hospital.

Specific advice is available for schools, health professionals, transport, social care, employers and businesses on the Gov.uk website.