THE rise in the number of Worcestershire people with Coronavirus is alarming.

Although six people from the whole county is still only a handful of confirmed cases, it represents a trebling of those we know to be affected in only two days.

And it is likely we will only see these numbers increase as the virus spreads.

It is only natural to feel concerned and it is right that we take this situation very seriously.

This is not the time to panic though.

There are steps we can take to reduce the risks to ourselves and, perhaps most importantly, to the most vulnerable who live near us.

You should have heard the advice repeatedly already but there is no harm in saying it again.

Wash your hands regularly. Cough into tissues and throw them away immediately. If you have even the slightest symptoms of the virus - a high temperature or a cough - stay at home for seven days.

If you feel somewhat helpless watching the news unfold, then please remember that you are not powerless - these are the ways we can all help ourselves and others.