A STUDENT from a Winchester college has been put into self-isolation after being diagnosed with Coronavirus.

In a letter from Peter Symonds College, Owens Road, parents were informed the college had been told by Public Health England (PHE) one of their students had been diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19).

"This student is now isolating at home", according to the letter.

The statement added: "The college is in discussion with, and taking advice from, Public Health England who are contacting and giving guidance to those who have had close interaction with the student regarding self-isolation and what to do if symptoms develop.

"I understand parents may be worried, but following advice from the specialists at PHE, I am assured there is no need for the college to close."

The message comes just days after government health officials confirmed a person from Hampshire had become the first from the county to contract the illness.

The person was taken to a treatment centre in London, according to the Department for Health and Social Care.

Government health chiefs have since confirmed a second person from Hampshire has tested positive for COVID-19. 

It is not known if either of the cases relates to the student from Peter Symonds College.

Two pupils from Oliver's Battery Primary School are also in isolation after travelling in a taxi previously used by a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. 

It is unclear whether this is linked with the two cases in Hampshire. 

The number of people diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK, as of 7am yesterday, rose to 206 from 163.

So far two patients in the UK have died from the virus, which originally broke out in China.

The number of worldwide cases has also passed 100,000, with more than 3,000 deaths, according to officials. 

Peter Symonds College and Public Health England have been contacted for comment.

The Department of Health and Social Care refused to comment.