A Surrey resident was confirmed as having contracted coronavirus by Public Health England (PHE) yesterday evening (February 28). 

PHE said that one of the latest coronavirus cases to be confirmed in the UK was a resident in Surrey and added it was working with the county council to manage the situation.

No further details were given about the identity of the patient. 

Haslemere Health Centre was temporarily closed for cleaning as a "precautionary measure" on Friday.

PHE's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said it was not clear if the patient had contracted the virus "directly or indirectly" from somebody who had recently travelled abroad.

In a statement issued on Friday and posted to their website, Surrey County Council (SCC)’s interim director of public health, Ruth Hutchinson, said:

"Surrey county council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Surrey are protected.

"Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly, and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

"If you have recently been to one of the affected countries and are feeling unwell, you should phone the NHS 111 helpline for further advice straight away – please don’t go to your doctor or a hospital. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus."

On Saturday afternoon, Hutchinson added further details about the authorities' response in Surrey and reassured residents. 

"I appreciate that news like this can be a cause for concern, so I would reassure everyone that Surrey County Council, together with the NHS and PHE is taking every necessary measure to help reduce the risk of the virus spreading," she said. 

"I have spoken to colleagues at Public Health England this morning and will remain in continuous contact while we manage the situation in Surrey.

“PHE updated me on their work and steps they have taken since the case was confirmed. They are already urgently contacting anyone that has been in close contact with the individual to provide them with advice about what to do if they start feel unwell, and how to manage if they are told to self-isolate.

"Anyone who is not contacted directly by PHE should continue to go about their life as normal but take extra care to follow public health advice on simple steps we can all take to help reduce the risk of infection," she added.

Meanwhile, former health secretary and MP for South West Surrey Jeremy Hunt sent a message of support for staff at the centre and at SCC: 

"Thinking of clinicians, staff and patients at the Haslemere Health Centre...worrying time but I know local NHS and @SurreyCouncil working tirelessly to keep everyone as safe as possible. 

"Thoughts today with new Covid19 patient and local GP with symptoms alongside their families," he said. 

There was speculation on Saturday morning (February 29) that a GP at the aforementioned clinic had since contracted the virus following a report in The Guardian newspaper. 

On Saturday morning, health minister Edward Argar refused to comment on reports that a GP may have been infected with coronavirus, also known as Covid-19.

"I'm aware of The Guardian report, but I'm going on the basis of what I've been told," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"I haven't had any details of that and I think it would be wrong to comment on speculation in the press without that detailed advice from the chief medical officer."

The new case takes the total number of cases in England up to 18, while there has been one confirmed case in Northern Ireland and one in Wales.

The number of people sickened by the virus worldwide hovered around 83,000 on Friday and there were more than 2,800 deaths, most of them in China.