Jersey’s second case of coronavirus has been confirmed by the government.

The person returned to the island from north west Italy on Sunday and has been in self-isolation since, along with another member of their family.

Health and Community services says they haven’t come into contact with anyone else since their return as they went into isolation immediately.

Jersey’s Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, says officers from Environmental Health are currently contacting anyone affected:

”If the team do not contact you then there is no need to worry, and you do not need to contact the Department or the helpline. We have all the contact details of the people we need to speak to.

“We want to reassure Islanders that the two people who have tested positive for coronavirus in Jersey are receiving all the care and medical attention necessary. We are working with the individuals concerned to trace any relevant close contacts and therefore ensure that they are managed appropriately.

“Our aim is to be open with islanders and ensure that we give the best possible treatment and care to our patients whilst protecting their confidentiality.

“The best thing people can do to help stop the spread of coronavirus is to be scrupulous about hand, surface and respiratory hygiene. Wash your hands frequently. Use tissues to cough or sneeze into and throw them away as soon as you have used them. Keep the surfaces you work on and touch as clean as you can. Those messages will not change.”

Dr. Muscat has also moved to reassure islanders after the World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a pandemic.

He's asking islanders 'not to be alarmed, to remain calm and continue as normal.'

"We are aware of the change in status regarding COVID-19 and continue to closely monitor developments from WHO. Our advice on self-isolation for people returning from affected countries and on general hygiene remains unchanged. Jersey is well-prepared to deal with Coronavirus.

"Although the word pandemic may cause concern, I want to reassure people that it is a geographical term – meaning the virus has spread worldwide – rather than an indication that the virus has become more severe.

"I would ask Islanders to remain calm and to continue as normal. The Government of Jersey continues to hold daily meetings to keep ahead of the global situation. In the meantime, please follow good hand, surface and respiratory hygiene and ensure appropriate self- isolation and self-referral if you have been to one of the countries affected by COVID-19, as detailed on the Government website."

 Coronavirus Advice

If you think you might have the virus, you should self-isolate and call the Health Department's coronavirus helpline:

01534 445566

It's open every day between 8am and 8pm. Calls outside these times, or when the line is engaged, won't be answered straight away - but we're told to leave a message and Health officials will call you back.

Please don't visit your GP or the Emergency Department at the General Hospital if you think you have the virus.

Coronavirus symptoms are similar to that of the flu - a combination of a cough, fever and aching muscles. If you've had any symptoms, even if you haven't travelled abroad, we're being told to self-isolate until they clear up (for a minimum of seven days).

Anyone who has come into contact with a person confirmed to have the coronavirus should stay in self-isolation for at least 14 days.

All the latest information can be found on Gov.je.