A NEW case of coronavirus has been confirmed in the BCP Council area.

The latest daily update from Public Health England saw Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with four positive cases for COVID-19.

There remains one case, confirmed in the Friday update, for the Dorset Council area.

Neighbouring local authority Hampshire now has 41 confirmed cases – one of the highest figures for local authorities across England.

The first cases in the BCP Council area were confirmed last weekend.

Since then countries across Europe and further afield have stepped up measures to combat the virus.

In the UK, the government is currently in the delay phase of its action plan, following the initial contain phase.

On Friday, all professional football in England was suspended until April, meaning Cherries' Premier League fixtures against Crystal Palace, due to take place on Saturday, March 14, and Wolves, due to take place on Sunday, March 22, have been postponed.

Events locally including the Poole Harbour Boat Show, have been cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic.

Cruise companies have cancelled trips, while airlines are also closing down certain routes.

From Monday night, the UK and Ireland will join the rest of Europe in a travel ban to the United States of America. This was confirmed by president Donald Trump.

The current guidance from the UK government in relation to coronavirus is that anyone who develops symptoms of a high temperature (37.8°C or above) and/or a new continuous cough should self-isolate for seven days from when their symptoms started.

The government says this will help to protect others in the community while people are infectious.

Residents are advised that if they have these symptoms they should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. They do not need to contact NHS 111 to tell them they are staying at home.

The government has said people who are self-isolating with mild symptoms will not be tested.