Health officials have confirmed two further cases of coronavirus in Kent, both of which are in Medway.

Earlier today, KentOnline reported a pupil at St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School in Chatham had been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

The school's head teacher Dympna Lennon issued a message to some parents last night which stated a Year 8 pupil had been diagnosed with the virus.

Public Health England confirmed two Medway residents had tested positive and a process of contact tracing would commence to determine who else may have been exposed.

Both Medway cases are connected to a pre-existing Kent case but it is unclear if either refers to the pupil.

Medway Council confirmed there was a familial connection.

As of this morning, the number of cases have gone up to 206 in the UK, with two deaths and the number of Kent cases stands at four.

James Williams, director of public health for Medway Council, said: “Medway Council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Medway are protected.

“If you have not been contacted by Public Health England as a close contact of the confirmed cases you do not need to take any action at this time.”

Alison Barnett, centre director for Public Health England South East, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with the latest confirmed case of COVID-19.

"These cases are residents of Medway. Close contacts 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 case.

"This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”

Yesterday, it was confirmed a second person in Kent has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, which was connected to the first victim, a man working at Maidstone Studios who recently returned from a trip to Rome.

KMTV report on coronavirus in Kent

Coronavirus: Everything You Need To Know

Coronavirus in Kent: How to keep your workplace safer

To keep up-to-date with all the latest developments with your local hospitals and other health stories, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Medway