Coronavirus: NHS fears 50% of Brits could be hit by deadly virus if China fails to control spread
The coronavirus outbreak has killed 1,775 people and infected another 71,000 in mainland China.
Nearly half of China’s population — more than 780 million people — are currently living under various forms of travel restrictions as authorities race to contain the spread of a deadly virus.
NHS workers have laid bare their fears about coronavirus as they warn the country is not prepared to handle a major outbreak, according to a shock new survey.
It has emerged that health chiefs were ready to take drastic action if the number of cases creeps over 100.
Boris Johnson told to ‘get the Brits back’ more than 70 Brits are trapped on board ‘Diamond Princess’ cruise ship, could be flown home as more passengers test positive for Covid-19.
Reports of a hotel near Heathrow airport has been closed to the public and designated as a potential coronavirus quarantine centre as health officials prepare for more cases in the UK.
Mask retailers are limiting sales of respirators and most are still out of stock.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways.
The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate.
Emergency laws could be introduced requiring people to self-isolate
If there’s a chance you could have coronavirus, you may be asked to isolate yourself.
This means that for 14 days after returning from China or other specified areas, you should:
- stay at home
- not go to work, school or public areas
- not use public transport or taxis
- ask friends, family members or delivery services to carry out errands for you
- try to avoid visitors to your home – it’s OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food
While the risk to people in the UK is low, these steps can help reduce the possible spread of infection.
There is no specific treatment for coronavirus.
The Department of Health said that 3,109 people in the UK had been tested with only nine coming back as positive.
