HEALTH chiefs have ‘categorically’ denied there are any cases of coronavirus in Worcestershire despite the Department of Work and Pensions appearing to confirm the county’s first case in Worcester.
Director for Public Health for Worcestershire, Dr Kathryn Cobain made the statement after the DWP confirmed a staff member at the job centre in Vine House on Farrier Street had tested positive for virus.
“There are no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Worcestershire. Updated figures are released daily from the Chief Medical Officer and no cases have been confirmed in the county,” she said.
Dr Cobain’s comments came after the job centre closed down for a deep clean and will reopen in due course.
It is understood that the staff member did not have any contact with claimants but had been in to work and mixed with other members of staff.
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “We are working closely with Public Health England.
“We are contacting customers whose appointments are affected and these will be rearranged. All payments will be made as usual.”
If you think you might have coronavirus or you’ve been in close contact with someone who has it it:
-Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital
-Stay at home and avoid close contact with other people
-Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next
-The 111 coronavirus service will tell you if you need to continue to stay at home (self-isolate) or if you need medical help.
