BARROW has seen it's first confirmed case of Covid-19.

A patient at Furness General Hospital was confirmed with Coronavirus yesterday.

Cases in Cumbria have rose to nine, whilst the total of UK cases has now reached 456.

Foluke Ajayi, Chief Operating Officer, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said:

"We are currently treating a patient at Furness General Hospital who has tested positively for COVID-19.

"The patient is being cared for appropriately and we are working with experts from Public Health England to provide advice to colleagues who have cared for the patient during their time with us as well as visitors.

“Our dedicated staff are used to managing infectious diseases and its important to stress that all our hospitals are operating as normal.

"We have received updated guidance for healthcare workers and will ensure we operate within these guidelines.

“If anyone has any appointment please attend as normal unless you are contacted by our teams. If anyone is feeling unwell and has any concerns about their symptoms they should call the ring NHS 111 service.”

Colin Cox, Cumbria's Director of Public Health, said: “As this outbreak develops in the UK it is likely we will see more cases of COVID-19 identified in hospitals.

"Dealing with infectious diseases is something they do every day and hospitals have well developed plans and procedures in place.

"Having spoken with the Trust it is clear they are implementing a sensible and proportionate plan to manage the situation. "The key message for the public is that the general risk remains low, the hospital is open and people should continue to attend appointments unless advised otherwise.”

This comes after panic buying has swept through the county, with Tesco Extra in Barrow reporting a sell-out of pasta and hand sanitizer, and now only allowing five of each essential item to be sold per customer.

Frustrated shoppers are visiting stores around the town in search of toilet paper.

One shopper, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "I thought people were over egging it saying that that's no soap in Asda but there literally isn't any, and there's no toilet roll at all... I'm down to my last two rolls!"

Cowards Pharmacy, Barrow, are now selling masks in packs of 2, 5, 10 and 25.

British holiday-goers are being reassured by the holiday industry amid the current situation.

A TUI spokesman said: "We know that the current situation regarding the coronavirus is concerning for everyone but we’d like to add reassurances about taking a holiday with TUI.

"We will continue to operate as normal, take all of our customers on their holiday and make sure they have a brilliant time.

"If there is specific government advice to stop going to a particular destination you will get a full refund or the option to change your booking."