Message from Clive Heaphy, Chief Executive (Acting), and Dr Justin Varney, Director of Public Health

All of you will be aware of the growing global concern about the new coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China. Public Health England has published a Q&A blog which is regularly updated as things change.

We are monitoring the situation as it develops and working closely with our partners in the NHS and Public Health England. The risk to the UK, and Birmingham, currently remains low and although there are now two confirmed cases in the UK, these are not in the West Midlands.

However, it’s a good time to remind everyone of the simple steps to prevent the spread of this type of respiratory virus through regular handwashing and using a tissue when we sneeze or cough to ‘Catch it, Kill it, Bin it’.

We will continue to keep you updated.