ARCHIVED - Six more coronavirus cases in Murcia on Wednesday morning: total up to 17

Two of the new infections occurred in Murcia rather than outside the Region

The coronavirus epidemic continues to spread with increasing rapidity in the Region of Murcia and on Wednesday morning it has been confirmed that another six cases have been detected including the first two where the virus appears to have been transmitted within the Region rather than in Italy, Madrid or Alicante.

Few details have been released concerning the latest patients except that they, like those previously reported, present only “mild” symptoms. Of the 17 cases detected in Murcia only four patients are being treated in hospital while the remainder are isolated in their homes.

A further 25 people are under observation due to their having been in close contact with those who have tested positive.

Patients diagnosed with Covid-19 in Murcia

1 - A 27-year-old woman who contracted the virus in Madrid while attending the ARCO contemporary arts fair. In isolation at home.

2 and 3 - A 5-month-old baby and her mother, both of whom had travelled to and from Madrid by bus, returning to Totana. In the Arrixaca hospital in El Palmar.

4 – A 28-year-old friend of the first patient who lives in Valencia but had gone to Madrid with her friend and was diagnosed positive in Murcia. In isolation at home.

5 – A woman who also contracted the virus in Madrid. In isolation at home.

6 and 7 – Two men aged 70 and 26 who were infected in Madrid. In isolation at home.

8 – A 62-year-old man who is believed to have contracted the virus from a contact in Alicante, who originally contracted the virus in Madrid. This case was detected in Puerto de Mazarrón.

9 - A 40-year-old woman with "mild "symptoms who is believed to have contracted the virus in Madrid.

10 – A female Erasmus student who returned from Italy to Cartagena.

11 – An Unidentified female patient who was infected in Madrid.

12 to 17 – the new cases reported on Wednesday morning (further details will be added when known).

Click here for the latest official figures regarding the coronavirus epidemic in Spain and the measures implemented by both the national government and the regional government of Murcia.

What to do if you are in the Region of Murcia and believe you may have contracted the virus

The regional government has set up a special helpline to supply information to members of the public (900 121212), and also urges people to call the 112 emergency services line if they suspect that they may have contracted the virus rather than going straight to hospital or to a medical centre. Medical staff will be sent to your home to test for the virus.

The Region’s public hospitals have limited the number of visitors to just one per patient.

Sensible precautions

The advice being issued to members of the public by medical authorities all over the world coincides on the following points:

- Wash hands frequently with either soap and water or a sanitiser gel

- Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues – and throw the tissues away immediately after use before immediately washing your hands!

- If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve – and wash the item of clothing used at the next opportunity

- AVOID touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

- AVOID close contact with people who are unwell

- Don´t panic!