Two cases of coronavirus confirmed in Wigan as sales of face masks and body suits soar

Wigan was today coming to terms with the inevitable news that coronavirus has hit the borough.
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Health officials revealed that they were dealing with two cases of covid-19 locally and that they were unrelated to each other.

The message to residents was to continue observing the hygiene guideliness to avoid spreading the virus further and that the risk of widespread local infection at this stage remained low.

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The public has certainly been taking precautions as witnessed by a phenomenal increase in sales of products from Pemberton-based safety equipment firm Vizwear.

The firm, founded by Dave Whelan and his grandson Matt Sharpe, saw 1,100 per cent increase in sales of face masks on their website, selling more this February than the whole of 2019 combined.

The company has also seen dramatic sale increases in protective suits, resulting in a whopping increase in sales in February this year compared to January.

News reports have suggested that shoppers are panic buying food stocks and cleaning products such as antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer.

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Sales in hand sanitizer alone have increased by a massive 255 per cent since coronavirus reached UK shores last month.

A Vizwear body protection suit - sales have soared in FebruaryA Vizwear body protection suit - sales have soared in February
A Vizwear body protection suit - sales have soared in February

No details have been given as to the identity of the two Wigan people who have tested positive for coronavirus - nor even their ages, genders or which part of the borough they hail from. Neither has it been explained as to how or where they contracted the condition.

Prof Kate Ardern, director of public health at Wigan Council, said: “We have received confirmation of two unrelated COVID-19 cases in Wigan borough.

“We are working closely with Public Health England and the NHS to prevent further spread of the virus and we will share timely and relevant information with the public.

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“In the meantime we continue to remind residents to follow good hygiene practices and if you show any symptoms, please ring NHS 111.”

Dr Will Welfare, of Public Health England North West, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who have had close contact with two of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19. The cases are both residents of Wigan.

“Close contacts of the confirmed cases 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 is a tried and tested method that will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”

Prof Ardern said that it was always “really scary” when a new virus emerges but in this case the experts know that the vast majority of people who contract coronavirus are going to fully recover.

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As far as Vizwear’s sales surge is concerned, sales director Daniel Ure said: “Over the last month we have experienced extremely high demand for face masks products and protective suits from our customers.

“The Vizwear team are also receiving large numbers of inquires daily from people looking to buy this equipment and are working tirelessly to replenish stock and keep up with demand.

“Whilst it’s encouraging to see people taking steps to prepare themselves for a potential outbreak, the masks that Vizwear currently sell are targeted towards workers within the trade and construction industry and aren’t designed for medical reasons.”