TWO people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the UK, Public Health England has confirmed.
The patents - the first in the UK to test positive - are part of the same family.
They are receiving specialist NHS care.
Prof Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England said: "The NHS is extremely well-prepared and used to managing infections and we are already working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients had, to prevent further spread.
"We have been preparing for UK cases of novel coronavirus and we have robust infection control measures in place to respond immediately."
He added that the NHS are using "tried and tested infection control procedures" to prevent further spread of the virus.
- A mother from Newport tested negative for the coronavirus
Update on #Coronavirus:@CMO_England statement on two confirmed cases in England.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) January 31, 2020
▶️ https://t.co/lAQUTk8qm4 pic.twitter.com/7p77OihKmv
He aslo said the UK been preparing for cases of novel coronavirus and have "robust infection control measures in place to respond immediately".
"We are continuing to work closely with the World Health Organization and the international community as the outbreak in China develops to ensure we are ready for all eventualities."
At least 213 people in the China have died from the virus, mostly in Hubei, with almost 10,000 cases nationally.
Currently, 83 Britons and 27 foreign nationals are flying back to the UK from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak.
The flight is due to land at RAF Brize Norton at 13:30 GMT.
The UK passengers will then be taken to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral and quarantined for two weeks.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article