Coronavirus cases in the UK have risen from (to) is the largest day-on-day increase since the outbreak began.
It is a jump of , which is (% up on the equivalent figure for Wednesday.)
It is also the first time the day-on-day increase has been in three figures.
One week ago, on March 5, the total number of cases stood at
The latest total of is more than five times greater than the equivalent figure one week ago.
With coronavirus outbreak fears growing, here’s everything you need to know about how and where to get tested, how long you will wait for a result and how many people are being tested, (reports the Mirror.
(How do you get tested for coronvirus?)
People who develop symptoms or fear they have coronavirus should NOT visit a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
Their first step should be a phone call to report their symptoms or concerns.
In England, call NHS
In Scotland call your GP or NHS
(on) (out of hours.)
In Wales call (if available in your area) or .
In Northern Ireland call .
Staff will hear you out and then explain what to do next.
(Click) here to read today’s top news stories and click here for the latest coronavirus updates Who is being tested for coronavirus?
The NHS is only testing those who have symptoms that are consistent with coronavirus – such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath – or have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed. The symptoms of Covid – are similar to those of the flu and some are also displayed in people with a common cold. People who report symptoms or concerns after returning from countries with severe outbreaks, including Italy, Iran and parts of South Korea and China, will be tested. Those returning travelers should stay indoors and avoid contact with other people even if they do not have symptoms. People can test positive even if they aren’t displaying symptoms. There have been calls for testing to be expanded to others. How are peopl e checked for coronavirus? Samples are swabbed from the back of the throat , nose and deeper respiratory tract and then sent for laboratory testing. The tests are carried out by medical staff dressed head-to-toe in protective gear. Coronavirus may not be detected in newly infected people. Some countries have been doing blood tests. Medics have been using thermometer guns at some airports to check travelers for a fever, but doubts have been cast on the effectiveness of those tests. A recent study found that CT scans were effective at detecting Covid – 47 in the early stages. (Where are people being tested for coronavirus? People may be asked to go to an assessment pod if a hospital nearby has one. Some have been tested at home by medics wearing protective suits and masks. Drive-thru testing sites have popped up in places such as Wolverhampton, Edinburgh and Parsons Green in south-east London. The test is only available through the NHS. Read More Coronavirus latest How long does it take to get your coronavirus result? Samples are taken to a lab and most test results come back within hours. In some cases, People have had to wait up to five days to find out if they have the virus. Public Health England’s diagnostic test for Covid – has been rolled out to 24 laboratories across the UK, allowing it to test more than 1, people a day . It said: “Using the diagnostic test, scientists can look for evidence of the presence of any type of coronavirus and then hone in on specific genetic clues that identify. the novel coronaviru s associated with this outbreak. “ It added:” Testing starts when your sample reaches the lab; it takes – hours for testing to be done. “Once the result is available, it is sent back to your doctor or nurse who will let you know the result and give you advice on what to do next. “ If the result is positive, you may be admitted to hospital or be told to self-isolate at home. Health officials will then begin alerting people you have had contact with and tracing the origin of your case. 
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