The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK has risen to , the government has announced.
England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty revealed the new total in a statement.
“As of 9am this morning, four further patients in England have tested positive for Covid – , “he said.
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Mr Whitty added that the four patients had recently returned from Italy and that “contact tracing” has started.
Earlier on Monday, Boris Johnson said after an emergency Cobra meeting that the coronavirus outbreak in the UK was “likely” to become “more significant” in the days ahead.
He said: “We have also agreed a plan so that if and when it starts to spread, as I’m afraid it looks likely it will, we are in a position to take the steps necessary to contain the spread of the disease as far as we can, and to protect the most vulnerable. “
The prime minister said that decisions to close schools and ban mass gatherings would be guided by scientific advice, adding that chief medical officers would help the government to take key protective decisions .
The government “battle plan” to manage the spread of the illness will be published on Tuesday.
It is thought that extra powers allowing the government to help control the virus will pass into legislation by the end of March.
These measures could include retired nurses and doctors going back to work, encouraging people to work from home and cancelling major events.
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