ARCHIVED - Totana Mayor calls for calm after two coronavirus patients travelled to Totana from Madrid

Juan José Cánovas urges responsible and prudent behaviour while reiterating advice to members of the public

The Town Hall of Totana has issued a call for residents to remain calm and to behave responsibly after it emerged on Monday that two people who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, a 34-year-old mother and her 5-month-old baby, had been taken ill in the town after returning from a trip to Madrid.

The two had travelled by coach from the national capital and investigations are under way to trace other passengers on the service run by ALSA while the mother and baby remain in isolated care in the Virgen de la Arrixaca hospital in El Palmar. The father, meanwhile, has so far tested negative but remains under observation as a precaution.

Speaking to the press on Monday, Juan José Cánovas, the Mayor of Totana, reiterated that the local government is constantly communicating with local medical centres and the regional health authorities following the setting up of a local committee to oversee the situation on 2^nd March. At the same time, the Town Hall reminds residents of the following:

- All information provided by the Town Hall related to the coronavirus outbreak is supplied by official sources including the national Ministry of Health and its regional counterpart.

- Recommendations issued by the health authorities should be adhered to strictly: frequent hand washing is recommended, as are efforts to avoid touching your mouth and eyes, physical contact with people who have visited high-risk areas is discouraged, and it is advised that people keep a safe distance (at least a metre) from those perceived to be possible carriers of the virus.

- If symptoms compatible with coronavirus are observed, do not leave your home: instead call the 112 emergency services line or the free number 900 121212 (between 8.00 and 20.00) and medical staff will travel to your home to perform the necessary tests.

- Do not visit medical centres and Emergency units with possible coronavirus symptoms; use the above phone numbers instead.

- Do not visit areas where high incidence rates of coronavirus are reported.

For more local news, events and other information go to the Totana section of Murcia Today.

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