Health chiefs have warned that more people may need to isolate themselves after a suggestion that up to 40 million Britons could end up getting coronavirus.
Prof Neil Ferguson, a mathematical biologist at Imperial College, London, said the world was “in the early phases of a global pandemic”.
He added that if it establishes itself “maybe up to 60% of the population might be affected most of them with very mild symptoms”.
His warning cames after it emerged that the first patient to be diagnosed in London turned up at a hospital in an Uber taxi.
Health leaders are desperate to get the message out that anyone who suspects they may have the bug should not turn up at A&E or GP surgeries.
Public Health England said they should stay at home and call NHS 111 who will send out a specialist team if needs be.
-
Brit on Wuhan coronavirus lockdown says those who escape are 'tackled to ground'
-
Missing hiker's family 'struggling to cope' as New Zealand search continues
The ninth UK case to be diagnosed is understood to be a Chinese woman who turned up at Lewisham Hospital on Sunday and spoke to reception staff.
Two people from the hospital are now in isolation at home while the woman is being treated in St Thomas’ Hospital, south east London. Ben Travis, of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, said that when the woman arrived at A&E she was given a mask and taken for tests in a special area. He added: “The patient did not come into contact with other patients.
“All staff who had direct contact have been contacted, including two who are undergoing active surveillance at home for a 14-day period as a precaution.”
A GP surgery in Islington, north London, closed yesterday amid a coronavirus scare.
-
Stormzy cancels sold out tour dates over coronavirus fears
Cleaners in protective clothing were seen inside the Ritchie Street Health Centre. A notice on its website saying the closure was “due to the coronavirus” but has since disappeared.
Dr Robin Thompson of Oxford University warned that the London Underground could be a hotbed for the spread of the virus.
He added: “This is exacerbated by the fact that London is a transport hub and the underground could provide a network to spread the virus quickly. Meanwhile, dentists have warned that a shortage of face masks linked with the outbreak could disruption treatments.
Rationing has meant practices are unable to order more than two boxes of masks a day.
As of 13 February, a total of 2,521 people have been tested, of which 2,512 were confirmed negative and 9 positive.
Britain’s youngest suspected victim, an eight-month-old boy, is expected to get his test results today. A total of 2,521 people here have been tested only nine of whom were positive.
JCB workers are having their hours cut due to a slow down in sales linked to coronavirus. The firm is set to reduce production levels at UK factories due to anticipated parts shortages from Chinese suppliers impacted by the outbreak.
The components are parts of the JCB machines made at factories in Rocester, Foston and Uttoxeter.
The move will mean a shorter working week for around 4,000 JCB and agency shop floor employees from Monday, February 17, with an immediate suspension of all overtime.
People have been warned to use alcohol sanitisers after handling money amid fears the virus can be spread on coins and banknotes.
Dr Martin Wiselka Leicester NHS Trust said Britain may be “on the cusp of something we might not be able to control”.
Source: Read Full Article