A BOURNEMOUTH law firm has confirmed that a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

Preston Redman Solicitors confirmed an employee contracted the virus and were working with Public Health England, Public Health Dorset and BCP Council regarding the case.

A spokesperson for the law firm said: “Public Health England have identified and contacted anyone who came into close contact with the case, to provide health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case.

“This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.

“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.”

As of 9am on Tuesday, there remained just three cases in the BCP Council conurbation, none in the Dorset Council area.

In the south west there are now 41 cases, an increase of three, and in the UK 373 out of 26,261 tests returned as positive.

A sixth person died after they contracted coronavirus, the government confirmed.

The patient was in their 80s, was being treated at West Hertfordshire Hospital and had underlying health conditions.

Conservative MP for Bournemouth East, Tobias Ellwood, urged parliament to refrain from suspension.

In a call to government, he said: “Whatever the threats, whatever the challenges we face in this country, parliament must continue to do its business and do its duty.”

Elsewhere, The Gym Poole reopened after a deep clean.

The facility closed on Sunday after a member had a confirmed case of the virus. It remained closed throughout Monday.

Members received an email on Tuesday saying that it had reopened following a deep clean.

Wareham Surgery also closed on Monday after a suspected COVID-19 contact in the surgery.

The surgery was deep cleaned before it reopened on Tuesday.

Patients were advised to attend their appointments as normal.

BCP Council leader, Vikki Slade, reassured people that the council were doing all they can to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Cllr Slade said: “BCP Council is working with Public Health England and health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and make sure that people across the BCP Council area are protected as much as possible.

“As a local authority, we have robust business continuity plans in place to ensure the continued delivery of our critical services.

“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.”

Twynham School have temporarily suspended their biometric payment methods “as a precaution”.

Up until now, students were able to pay for items in school using their fingerprint, however the school has taken the decision to suspend this and provide the students with a key fob.

The school has also increased the number of hand sanitiser points and say they are encouraging all students to wash their hands frequently.

The NHS have started placing adverts in town centres encouraging people to wash their hands for the correct amount of time.

The adverts urge people to wash their hands more often and for 20 seconds and guides them to their website for more information on how to prevent the spread of the virus.