WORRIED residents are calling for more information after a third case of coronavirus in the UK was confirmed.

Hove MP Peter Kyle said it had been confirmed to him by the Department of Health that a man from Brighton has contracted the illness.

The man is said to be 40s or 50s, have flown into the country from Singapore and is believed to be from the Hove area.

But residents have called on authorities to release more information on the case amid fears they may have come into contact with the illness.

Valerie Paynter, who regularly uses the Royal Sussex County Hospital, has an impaired immune system, which puts her at an increased risk of death should she contract the virus. 

She said: "Brighton and Hove is very densely populated. 

"We are living cheek by jowl in tiny streets close together. 

"Where has this person been on the buses and trains? What kind of tracing are the authorities doing?" 

Another Argus reader said: "He went to A&E earlier this week apparently, how come we are only hearing about it now.

"It should (be public knowledge).

"I would want to know if I've been in the same vicinity as someone who's got it."

But Labour MP Peter Kyle has been praised for sharing information and updates on the incident.

Yesterday, he revealed the man who has contracted coronavirus has been moved to a specialised isolation unit and his family have keft the city.

He said: "It has just been confirmed to me by a Department of Health minister that a member of our community has contracted coronavirus.

"The second he observed symptoms our NHS leapt into action and he has been moved to a specialised isolation unit near London which is designed for situations like this.

"His family have not exhibited signs and are not suspected of having contracted the virus but because of their shock at developments and eagerness to be especially cautious they are spending some time together in a more secluded place."

He added that they left the city to be "mindful, to reassure people, to be extra safe and to be extra cautious".

The case was confirmed in a statement from the chief medical officer for England at about 1.30pm yesterday.

Mr Kyle said: "I’ve asked those who are in touch with the family to let them know they are in my thoughts, that I’m here as their MP so support them in any way I can, but also to pass on the very best wishes of our whole community.

"I’ve now met many people who have found themselves suddenly at the centre of a national event and it can be terrifying for them.

"We as a community must always be sensitive to that and we owe it to them not to listen to people who spread rumours as it can make them feel hurt and unwelcome.

"What I want right now is for the family to be reunited with their dad once he’s fully recovered and for them to jump back into life here in our community. I really do wish them well in this difficult time."

Brighton and Hove City Council has not commented since the case was confirmed to be from the city.

In a statement yesterday, a spokesman said: "We are working closely with Public Health England and Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

"We will be sharing their advice and will provide more information as soon as possible."