Patients in the island have been tested for coronavirus (Covid-19), public health chiefs have confirmed.

Government preparations for the possible outbreak of the infectious disease have been stepped up this week.

The number of island patients tested has not been revealed by the Department of Health and Social Care, but it said there had been no confirmed cases so far.

Isle of Man ambulance service and Noble’s Hospital emergency department tested their response plans in case of an outbreak of Covid-19 yesterday (Wednesday).

It involved a full simulation in order to test their procedures and processes.

An ambulance service spokesman said: ’Please do not be alarmed if you see an increase in activity in the Douglas area involving staff wearing protective equipment.’

They added: ’Whilst the Isle of Man public health advice states the risk is low we want to reassure the public that we are ready to respond safely and effectively to suspected cases of coronavirus should the need arise.’

The island’s public health team is continuing to monitor the latest information and advice on coronavirus, based on guidance from Public Health England.

This is updated daily on the UK Government website, which can be accessed via concerned members of the public.

The UK chief medical officer has assessed the risk level as ’moderate’ after the World Health Organisation declared the epidemic as a public health emergency of international concern.

Eight cases of coronavirus have so far been confirmed in the UK.

The global death toll is presently over 1,100 and the number of those affected across the world is about 45,000.

Travel

People returning to the island in the last 14 days from mainland China, Thailand, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau and who experience a cough, fever or shortness of breath should avoid contact with others.

Returning residents should also stay indoors and phone their GP or the Manx Emergency Doctor Service (MEDS).

They should not visit A&E at Noble’s or Ramsey Cottage Hospital in person.

The UK Foreign Office has advised against ’all but essential’ travel to mainland China.

It recommends that British nationals should leave the country if they can, to minimise their exposure to the virus.

Covid-19 originated from Wuhan, in China.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.

The are zoonotic, which means they are transmitted between animals and people.

To prevent infection from spreading, wash hands regularly, cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and thoroughly cook meat and eggs.