A YOUNG man who has just returned from Italy was confirmed as Bolton’s first coronavirus case.

The Bolton News understands that the 22-year-old was in the same region as the Bury case confirmed on Sunday — and may have even have flown home on the same flight.

Two new COVID-19 patients were also confirmed in Bury linked to the first case — as the total of known cases in the UK rose to 51.

Three separate sources with knowledge of the Bolton case said the man was linked to the first Bury case.

One source said: “Public Health don’t want to cause panic and so understandably don’t want to say where they are being treated.

“But we do know that the Bolton case is a young man in his 20s and is linked to the first Bury case.”

Public Health England said the two new cases in Bury were not linked to the Bolton case.

Health chiefs said Bolton was well prepared for an outbreak of this kind and had robust plans in place.

Leader of Bolton Council Cllr David Greenhalgh said: “I understand this may be a worrying time for Bolton residents but please be assured we are monitoring the situation closely and have detailed plans in place.

“It is important to stay calm and remember that the risk to the public is still very low.

“We can all do our part by following simple, common-sense steps such as washing our hands regularly.”

In a joint statement, Director of Public Health for Bury Council, Lesley Jones and Director of Public Health for Bolton Council, Dr Helen Lowey said: 

“We would like to send our best wishes to those affected as they continue their recovery.

“Bolton and Bury have robust infection control arrangements in place and strong partnership arrangements across the health and care system.

“The councils are working closely with Public Health England, the NHS and all our health and care partners to prevent further spread of the virus.

“In the meantime, it is important to follow good hygiene practices and if you show symptoms please ring NHS 111 rather than ring your GP or go to a hospital. For the latest advice visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

“We will continue to work with Public Health England to share timely and relevant information with the public and our partners.”

Bury Council leader David Jones said: “The news of cases in Bury may be unsettling and we understand many people may be feeling worried.

“It’s important that we remain level headed about the virus and that you know what’s being done to keep everyone safe.

“We’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and the majority of cases are mild.

“Bury Council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to contain the virus and ensure the people of Bury are protected.”

Dr Will Welfare, from Public Health England North West, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with three cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Greater Manchester.

“Two of the cases are residents of Bury. As a result of contact tracing we know the new Bury cases announced today are known contacts of the previously confirmed case from Bury.

“The third case is a resident of Bolton which is not linked to the two cases in Bury announced today. The Bolton resident became infected whilst in Italy.

“Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed cases. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”

The three patients have now been taken to specialist NHS infection centres.