ENGLAND & UK-CoVid19 Case Counts & News

UNITED KINGDOM:

Hat Tip to 'penguinsix', FluTrackers:

Fourteen people in UK tested for coronavirus
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jan/23/increased-likelihood-coronavirus-uk-health-secretary-matt-hancock

...14 people being tested in the United Kingdom. 5 negative and 9 awaiting results.

(SNIPS:)
...The Scottish government had earlier confirmed that five people were being examined after presenting with symptoms of the illness, while it was understood that another patient was being tested at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital.

...Downing Street said four of the suspected cases in Scotland were believed to involve Chinese nationals.

 Hat Tip to John West's Daily Big Threat Blog:

Doctors warn NHS is 'completely unprepared' as killer virus expected to hit UK in days
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/doctors-warn-nhs-completely-unprepared-21363102

SNIPS:

. . . .The NHS is “completely unprepared” to deal with a coronavirus pandemic, Brit doctors fear.

. . .. Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted how the NHS “remains well prepared and well equipped to deal with all eventualities”.

. . . . One medic called “Wandering physician” on Twitter, posted “Haha. I work on the front line. We are completely unprepared for a pandemic. What the hell are you talking about.”

ENGLAND

Hat Tip to 'Shiloh', FluTrackers:

Coronavirus: Third case confirmed in the UK
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51398039

A third patient in the UK has tested positive for coronavirus, England's chief medical officer has said.

The individual did not contract the virus in the UK, Prof Chris Whitty said.

"The patient is being transferred to a specialist NHS centre, and we are using robust infection control measures to prevent any possible further spread of the virus," he said... ---CONTINUED---

GREAT BRITAIN:

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

UK Government Declares Coronavirus 'Serious And Imminent' Threat To Public Health
https://www.ladbible.com/news/uk-coronavirus-declared-serious-and-imminent-threat-to-public-health-20200210?fbclid=IwAR1_cpbGHSimf9GOBqhQP1pz0EQoszYYrSWgX2VSakfbRVozmHYe3zsk0H4

(SNIP) ... The move gives the government additional powers to fight the spread of the virus.

A spokesperson for Department for Health and Social Care said: "The Secretary of State has made regulations to ensure that the public are protected as far as possible from the transmission of the virus.

"The Secretary of State declares that the incidence or transmission of novel coronavirus constitutes a serious and imminent threat to public health, and the measures outlined in these regulations are considered as an effective means of delaying or preventing further transmission of the virus.

ENGLAND:

Hat Tip to John West's Daily Big Threat Blog:

Coronavirus case found at British doctors' practice - BBC
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-china-health-britain-doctor/coronavirus-case-found-at-british-doctors-practice-bbc-idUKKBN2041LP?rpc=401&

LONDON (Reuters) - A staff member at a British doctors’ practice in the southern English city of Brighton has tested positive for coronavirus, the BBC reported. ---CONTINUED---

ENGLAND:

 Hat Tip to John West's Daily Big Threat Blog:

Coronavirus: Four more patients test positive after links with businessman
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/coronavirus-four-more-patients-test-positive-after-links-with-businessman-38942214.html

The British businessman, who caught coronavirus in Singapore, is being treated at the specialist infectious diseases unit at St Thomas’ in London.

Four more patients in England have tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in the UK to eight.

The four people infected are all understood to be contacts of a businessman who was diagnosed in Brighton last week and who contracted the virus at a conference in Singapore.

On his way back to the UK he visited a chalet in a ski region of France, where five other Britons were subsequently taken ill with the virus.

(SNIP) ... The Guardian reported that the four people are three men and one woman.

One of the men is understood to be a doctor who was part of a group that were skiing in the resort near Chamonix with the businessman, who is being treated at the specialist infectious diseases unit at St Thomas’.   ---CONTINUED---

ENGLAND:

Police given unprecedented powers to force people into coronavirus quarantine
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/02/10/police-given-unprecedented-powers-force-people-quarantine-action/?fbclid=IwAR3E8nk7O0p7UmbKvIZY0o1AeFm_GbwziRUrxVAgoLb66J7MjliLYpTY4-U

Police have been handed unprecedented powers to force those at risk of coronavirus into quarantine, amid fears two GPs may have passed the virus on to their patients.

The new measures have been put in place with immediate effect as the health secretary warned that the spread of the virus is now a "serious and imminent threat" to the British public.

On Monday, the number of cases in the UK doubled, with panic on the streets of Brighton and the closure of a busy GP practice, as two doctors were diagnosed with the disease.    ---CONTINUED---

ENGLAND:

First case of deadly coronavirus in London has been confirmed
https://www.mylondon.news/news/health/first-case-deadly-coronavirus-london-17738789

It is understood to be a Chinese national who was diagnosed this afternoon

London now has its first confirmed case of coronavirus after a Chinese national was diagnosed this afternoon (February 12) as having the illness.

It has been reported that the Sun was told by a City Hall source that a woman had been diagnosed with the condition in London and rushed to hospital. ---CONTINUED---

ENGLAND:

Hat Tip to John West's Daily Big Threat Blog:

Thousands of people could be exposed to the coronavirus on the London Underground, doctors warn after the city finds its first case
https://www.businessinsider.com/doctors-warn-london-underground-could-help-spread-wuhan-coronavirus-2020-2

One of the UK's busiest transport networks could be an ideal place to spread the coronavirus, an Oxford University academic told Sky News today.

(SNIP) ... The 250-mile Tube network, which serves 1.3 billion passengers per year, was described in a 2017 study as the "dirtiest form of transport in the capital." ---CONTINUED---

ENGLAND:

Hat Tip to John West's Daily Big Threat Blog:

London on coronavirus alert: Paramedics in hazmat suits march man out of flat in Paddington ...
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-7999481/Londons-second-coronavirus-patient-Paramedics-hazmat-suits-march-man-Paddington-flat.html

Paramedics in hazmat suits have today been filmed marching a man out of a flat in central London hours after the first coronavirus patient was confirmed in the capital.

(SNIP) ... It has sparked fears London's first coronavirus patient may have already infected countless others in the capital after flying back from China recently.

ENGLAND:

Hat Tip to John West's Daily Big Threat Blog:

The government’s plans for a pandemic are both reassuring and alarming
https://www.spectator.co.uk/2020/02/the-governments-plans-for-a-pandemic-are-both-reassuring-and-alarming/

What would a Britain laid low by coronavirus look like?

Like the Trumpton fire brigade, Britain’s disaster planners have had precious little opportunity to show off their skills over the past few decades. Plans for a nuclear war merely gathered dust. Global pandemics failed to arrive, as did a no-deal Brexit. Just about the only crisis requiring nationwide emergency planning concerned foot and mouth disease in 2001 ...

(SNIP) ... But with UK cases of coronavirus rising from four to eight this week, there is a faint chance that the Hughs, Pughs and Barney McGrews of UK civil contingency planning may finally get their day in the sun. So what would a Britain laid low by a pandemic of coronavirus look like? ---CONTINUED---

ENGLAND:

Hat Tip to 'Shiloh', FluTrackers:

Staff at Westminster's QEII conference centre told to self-isolate if they get coronavirus symptoms after man was diagnosed there
https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/staff-westminsters-qeii-conference-centre-17749990

Health experts and council workers say they are working closely together to help prevent the spread of coronavirus after it emerged a man who has tested positive for the virus attended a conference in Westminster.

The unnamed patient attended the UK Bus Summit at the QEII conference centre on February 6 alongside 250 others.

ENGLAND:

What????

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

Schools to be told to stay open even if staff or pupils are suspected of having coronavirus
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/schools-stay-open-coronavirus-a4363401.html

Health officials will tell schools that they do not need to close or send staff and pupils home if there is a suspected case of coronavirus.

Public Health England is expected to issue the new guidance on Monday saying that no restrictions or special control measures are needed while tests for Covid-19 are carried out on a suspected case.

While a pupil or staff member suspected of coming into contact with the virus is being tested, the guidance says no action is needed. ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

Coronavirus Covid-19: Heathrow Airport Hotel used as quarantine centre
https://www.airport-technology.com/news/hotel-heathrow-quarantine-centre/?fbclid=IwAR0BzDIQcDUejrjOqO-58953Ub6P1jG_62NL1QNh5jHtBKts31zoEPjm-dI

The Holiday Inn Heathrow Ariel hotel at London Heathrow Airport has been block-booked to serve as a potential quarantine zone for people entering the UK with Covid-19 coronavirus symptoms.

The UK Department of Health said that the hotel will be closed for as long as needed and will be used for the coronavirus patients at least until March. ---CONTINUE---

ENGLAND:

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

Coronavirus: Four new UK cases among ship evacuees
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51606368?fbclid=IwAR2xOHNer7cRx9mQcXbfGxaAIdqJq0JFvbcvAQ_NiPrizo8AsDAAmgh4Snc

Four cruise ship passengers flown to Britain on Saturday have tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in the UK to 13.

They were among 30 repatriated Britons and two Irish citizens beginning a 14-day quarantine at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral.

The four UK nationals caught the virus on the Diamond Princess liner in Japan, England's chief medical officer said. ---CONTINUED---

ENGLAND:

UK coronavirus plan revealed: Schools to close and public transport cut back as outbreak spreads across Europe
https://inews.co.uk/news/health/uk-coronavirus-plan-revealed-schools-close-public-transport-warnings-outbreak-pandemic-1891480

Families of infected patients would have to self-isolate together while people could be banned from gathering in crowds

Schools could be closed across the UK and public transport reduced if the coronavirus becomes a global pandemic, health officials have said.

England and Scotland’s chief medical officers outlined for the first time of how authorities would try to limit widespread person-to-person transmission. ---CONTINUED---

ENGLAND:

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

Chevron sends 300 British employees home as coronavirus precaution
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-china-health-chevron/chevron-sends-300-british-employees-home-as-coronavirus-precaution-idUKKBN20J2PZ

Reuters) - Chevron Corp on Tuesday asked about 300 British employees to work temporarily from home after an employee in its Canary Wharf office in London reported a flu-like illness.

Traders, exploration and refining unit staff were assigned to work remotely until test results can determine whether the worker has coronavirus, said a person familiar with the matter. ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

Coronavirus 'worst case scenario' could see 80 per cent of UK infected as Government steps up 'emergency plans'
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-worst-case-scenario-government-document-a4371726.html

'Significant' numbers of people could be hospitalised
Nearly 7,000 people tested in UK so far

Four in five people in the UK could become infected with the coronavirus in a worst case scenario, the Government has said.

A document from the National Security Communications Team, seen by the Sun, suggests 80 per cent of people could be contaminated with Covid-19, meaning more than 50 million cases.

Experts have said the illness is thought to result in a one per cent mortality rate, meaning 500,000 people would die in the UK in this scenario - the equivalent of the population of the city of Liverpool. ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

At least 12 UK schools send pupils home amid coronavirus fears
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/uk-schools-closed-coronavirus-092612701.html

At least 12 schools in the UK have sent pupils home over fears children and staff are at risk from coronavirus.

Some schools have closed entirely while others have told students and teachers who are feared to have been exposed to the virus, known as Covid-19, in Northern Italy, to stay at home. ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

Almost 20 UK Schools Are Now In Coronavirus Lockdown
https://www.tyla.com/news/life-news-18-schools-lockdown-coronavirus-fear-pupils-20200226

Eighteen schools have been forced to either close or send pupils home over fears of a coronavirus spread.

Following the February half-term break, schools in the UK have had to turn away both staff and pupils who have returned from trips to northern Italy. ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

Pupils at Prince George and Princess Charlotte's school isolated over coronavirus fears
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/breaking-pupils-prince-george-princess-21584582

Four pupils at Thomas's Battersea in southwest London are in self-isolation with two of them reporting flu-like symptoms after returning from northern Italy which has been hit by hundreds of coronavirus cases ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to 'tetano', FluTrackers:

Coronavirus: Patients could be denied lifesaving care if virus overwhelms NHS hospitals
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-uk-deaths-nhs-intensive-care-flu-wise-men-protocol-a9361916.html

Exclusive: Senior doctors criticise government's 'dishonest spin' over ability of NHS to cope with a severe pandemic outbreak

Shaun LinternHealth Correspondent @ShaunLintern
Wednesday 26 February 2020 22:02
17 comments

NHS patients could be denied lifesaving care during a severe coronavirus outbreak in Britain if intensive care units are struggling to cope, senior doctors have warned.

Under a so-called “three wise men” protocol, three senior consultants in each hospital would be forced to make decisions on rationing care such as ventilators and beds, in the event hospitals were overwhelmed with patients.

Hat Tip to 'kiwibird', FluTrackers:

Two more patients have tested positive for coronavirus in England, bringing the total number of UK cases to 15.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51656609

They have been transferred to specialist NHS infection centres in Liverpool and London, the Department of Health said.

The virus was passed on while they were in Italy and Tenerife, said England's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty.

Ministers have said they expect more cases to emerge.

The new patients are being treated at specialist centres at the Royal Free Hospital, London, and the Royal Liverpool Hospital.

SCOTLAND:

Hat Tip to 'kiwibird', FluTrackers:

SCOTTISH DOCS STILL WAITING FOR PROTECTIVE GEAR
https://www.thesun.ie/news/5134370/coronavirus-live-outbreak-spreads-across-europe-from-italy/

A leading GP in Scotland has warned scores of practices are still without vital protective gear as they prepare for coronavirus.

Dr Andrew Buist, chairman of the British Medical Association’s GP committee in Scotland said he and many other doctors still hadn’t received facemasks.

He warned on his Twitter account: “Still waiting in Blairgowrie on the PPE face masks promised by Scottish Gov over 2 weeks ago – concerning as general practice is the frontline for coronavirus healthcare presentation.”

Hat Tip to 'kiwibird', FluTrackers:

https://metro.co.uk/2020/02/26/second-london-office-sends-staff-home-amid-coronavirus-fears-12309583/

Coronavirus fears have forced two more London firms to send staff home, hours after an office in Canary Wharf went into lockdown. Staff at OMD UK, a media agency based in Fitzrovia, central London, were ‘immediately’ sent home on Wednesday after an employee who had recently returned from Australia and Singapore began showing flu-like symptoms.

Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/02/26/secon...3/?ito=cbshare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/

British Diamond Princess Passenger Died

Hat Tip to 'kiwibird', FluTrackers:

British man dies on new virus cruise ship
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200228/k10012307111000.html?utm_int=all_contents_just-in_001

February 28, 2020 22:00New coronavirusAccording to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, a British man died on August 28 in a cruise ship, the Diamond Princess, who was confirmed to be infected with the new coronavirus. Six people died in cruise ships.

===MORE===

https://www.radioplymouth.com/news/international-news/coronavirus-british-passenger-from-diamond-princess-cruise-ship-dies/

A British man has died after being infected with coronavirus while in quarantine in Japan on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, Japanese media reports.

He is the first Briton to die from the virus.

Asahi News, Kyodo News and NHK cited Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, saying the man died on 28 August.

The man was one of four Britons who had to remain in Japan after dozens more, who had tested negative for COVID-19, were evacuated to the UK last week following a fortnight on the coronavirus-stricken ship in Yokohama.

Two of the group of four were David and Sally Abel, from Northamptonshire, who were being treated for the virus in a Japanese hospital.

Neither of them is the person who has died.

A total of 705 passengers and crew onboard the Diamond Princess were confirmed as having COVID-19, with five of them dying.

ENGLAND:

'They have no idea': government failing on coronavirus, say GPs
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/27/they-have-no-idea-government-failing-on-coronavirus-say-gps

Doctors say NHS 111 giving wrong advice and not enough patients being tested for virus

NHS doctors have told the Guardian of their experiences of the government’s handling of coronavirus, warning that they have concerns about how patients who may have been infected are being managed.

(SNIP) ... He said none of his patients who had travelled back from at-risk countries had been given any information at airports or sea ports on what to do if they developed symptoms of coronavirus. ---continued---

ENGLAND:

Hat Tip to 'Vibrant62', FluTrackers:

Military to help NHS cope with major coronavirus outbreak
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/28/military-to-help-nhs-cope-with-major-coronavirus-outbreak

Contingency plans and proposed emergency laws for pandemic emerge as UK confirms 20th case

The UK is facing its first significant test of how to contain a potential coronavirus outbreak after the government confirmed a 20th victim of Covid-19 and details began to emerge of its contingency planning and emergency legislation for an upsurge in cases

(SNIP) ... As part of the official UK action plan being drawn up by ministers and Whitty, military medics, and British Red Cross and St John Ambulance personnel will be drafted in to help the NHS cope with a major outbreak. ---continued---

ENGLAND:

Coronavirus: Top doctor says NHS may not cope with large-scale outbreak
https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-top-doctor-says-nhs-would-not-cope-with-large-scale-outbreak-11945687

Dr Parmar says even without a large outbreak, many hospitals are already at capacity and lots of operations are being cancelled.

Many hospitals are still dealing with the seasonal winter crisis and some NHS trusts have no critical care beds as they are already at full capacity.

Dr Rinesh Parmar, chair of the Doctors' Association UK, told Sky News elective operations are being cancelled already because of normal seasonal pressures.

He warned an outbreak of coronavirus could cripple the health service. ---continued---

ENGLAND:

A Dog Has Tested Positive For Coronavirus
https://www.tyla.com/news/news-dog-tests-positive-coronavirus-20200228

A dog whose owner has coronavirus has now also tested positive for the bug.

The Pomeranian is now in quarantine for 14 days after rectal, oral and nasal samples showed the canine has a 'weak level' of the virus.

The pup has not been exhibiting symptoms and it's thought it may only be carrying the virus from "environmental contamination".

Officials at the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department have now insisted the pooch be kept in isolation so its condition can be monitored and further tests carried out. ---continued---

ENGLAND:

Hat Tip to John West's Daily Big Threat Blog:

Matt Hancock: shutting down UK cities 'may become necessary'
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/01/matt-hancock-ministers-to-publish-coronavirus-battle-plan-for-uk

The UK government is considering all options from closing schools to isolating entire cities if the outbreak of the coronavirus continues to escalate, Matt Hancock has said.

The health secretary confirmed on Sunday that ministers would this week publish a plan to explain how they may tackle Covid-19 if it becomes a pandemic. This could include banning large gatherings of people at sporting events or concerts, he said. ---CONTINUED---

UNITED KINGDOM

Hat Tip to John West's Daily Big Threat Blog:

Coronavirus: UK fears of undetected cases grow as 13 more test positive
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/01/twelve-more-people-test-positive-coronavirus-in-uk

Second person in Britain tests positive without having recently travelled abroad as Scotland reports first case

A patient in Essex has become the second person in the UK to test positive for coronavirus without having recently travelled abroad, fuelling concerns that the virus is circulating in Britain undetected.

Prof Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, said the patient “had no relevant travel” and an investigation was under way to determine whether the patient contracted the virus directly or indirectly from someone who had recently returned from overseas. ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluTrackers:

Coronavirus: Thirteen more cases confirmed in UK
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51697991

Twelve more people in England and one in Scotland have tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of UK cases to 36.

Scotland confirmed that its first patient was a Tayside resident who recently returned from Italy.

Three of the new cases in England were linked to a man from Surrey, who was the first to be infected within the UK.
...
Another new case from Essex had "no relevant travel" and it was unclear how they had contracted the virus.

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

Race to find UK coronavirus spreaders as Britain prepares for things to get worse

https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/02/race-find-uk-coronavirus-spreaders-britain-prepares-things-get-worse-12330955/?ITO=squid&ito=newsnow-feed&fbclid=IwAR2j9aDeDtw8UZOFHWi2mEsZYUlXbKmvaSpWBWuyBLrJzicmnmzpcci-Yas?ito=cbshare

There are fears that hundreds of people may have unwittingly come into contact with people with coronavirus after the number of cases in the UK rose to 36 over the weekend. The number of cases has trebled in four days and officials are now trying to track down the sources of outbreaks in Essex, Surrey and West Sussex. Five people who have been infected with Covid-19 have not recently left the UK, sparking fears that an epidemic is imminent. One of the main concerns is that some people may only have displayed mild symptoms so do not realise they are infected and may have spread the disease. Scotland declared its first case yesterday and this morning Boris Johnson is set to tell an emergency Cobra meeting that coronavirus presents a ‘significant challenge’ for the country. ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

New UK coronavirus patient works at cancer unit looking after terminally ill
https://internewscast.com/new-uk-coronavirus-patient-works-at-cancer-unit-looking-after-terminally-ill/

t has emerged that one of the latest people to be infected with coronavirus is a healthcare worker at a cancer hospital.

The NHS said that they were a clinician at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Northwood, in Hillingdon, North London, and anyone who has been in contact with them has been identified. They insisted that the risk to patients and staff is ‘very low’ stating that the centre would stay open as it ‘remains safe’. ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

Coronavirus UK cases: where Covid-19 has been diagnosed so far
https://inews.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-uk-cases-map-where-covid-19-diagnosed-latest-2006187

Patients have tested positive for Covid-19 in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Over 88,000 people across the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19, a deadly coronavirus strain originating from China.

As of March 2, there are 40 confirmed cases in the UK, 13 of which tested positive for the respiratory disease on Sunday (March 1).

Here's a breakdown of every confirmed case of Covid-19 in the UK so far by location and date. ---CONTINUED---

100,000 Brits could die from coronavirus expert warns
https://londonlovesbusiness.com/100000-brits-could-die-from-coronavirus-expert-warns/

Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in infectious diseases, spoke on This Morning saying that he fears coronavirus could kill 100,000 Britons.

Professor Hunter said he is “substantially less optimistic than six weeks ago, I think it’s pretty close to inevitable [that we’ll see a global spread].”

The Professor suspects coronavirus will continue through the “summer” in the UK. He said, “Personally, I don’t think it will disappear completely and I think we will see a resurgence of it come winter, early next year, and hopefully by then we’ll have a vaccine to protect our most vulnerable people.”

The Department for Health announced on Monday afternoon there are now four more confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, the total is now 40. ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

Widespread coronavirus transmission in UK now 'highly likely' warns PHE amid hunt for super-spreader
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/health/widespread-coronavirus-transmission-uk-now-17845046

Widespread transmission of coronavirus in the UK is "highly likely", Public Health England (PHE) has warned, as the Prime Minister gathers ministers for an emergency Cobra meeting.

Professor Paul Cosford, emeritus medical director of PHE, said more cases could be challenging for the UK and urged people to take simple steps such as washing their hands to reduce the risk of infection.

Asked on BBC Breakfast if widespread infection was inevitable, he said: "I wouldn't say it's inevitable but it is now highly likely." ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

Coronavirus is just the beginning warns health expert
https://londonlovesbusiness.com/coronavirus-is-just-the-beginning-warns-health-expert/

Coronavirus may be the symptom of a much bigger problem according to one leading health expert as bacterial infections becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics making common infections potentially life threatening in the future.

With more new patients being diagnosed with coronavirus every day in the UK, fear is beginning to spread although the number of confirmed cases is still very small compared to other countries. The UK government has scheduled a Cobra emergency committee meeting with emergency legislation likely to be approved. Downing street have reassured the public that they are doing everything to limit the spread to ensure we are prepared. ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

Supermarkets prepare for coronavirus panic buying with ‘feed the nation’ plans
https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/03/supermarkets-prepare-coronavirus-panic-buying-feed-nation-plans-12337527/

Supermarkets are planning how to cope with demand if panic buying hits the UK as a result of a coronavirus outbreak. Ocado has already told its customers to order early because of ‘exceptionally high demand’ and an increase in the amounts that people are ordering. Customers received an email on Friday evening saying that delivery slots were ‘selling out quicker than expected’. They are also advising people to book deliveries for weekday slots rather than weekends. Britain’s big four – Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons, have not outlined their plan for panic buying.  ---CONTINUED---

Coronavirus: Up to fifth of UK workers 'could be off sick at same time'
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51718917

Up to a fifth of the workforce may be off sick during the peak of a coronavirus epidemic in the UK, the government says in its latest plans.

Police may need to focus on only the most serious crimes and maintaining public order if the virus spreads.

The military could also provide support to emergency services if needed. ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

Brit at coronavirus lockdown hotel in Tenerife 'tests positive' for deadly illness
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/breaking-brit-coronavirus-lockdown-hotel-21624320

Health officials reportedly confirmed a British woman who arrived at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace on 23 February has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and has been isolated in hospital ...CONTINUED---

ENGLAND:

Hat Tip to John West's Daily Big Threat Blog:

Is Britain prepared for a possible pandemic? The signs aren’t all that good
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/01/is-britain-prepared-for-a-possible-coronavirus-pandemic-the-signs-are-not-good

(SNIP) ... Judging by the events of the past seven days, we are now in full coronavirus crisis mode. On Wednesday, as some British schools sent pupils who had recently visited Italy home while others elected to stay open, headteachers accused Public Health England of issuing “confusing and contradictory” advice to parents.

(SNIP) ... And there is panic too. Almost £100bn was wiped off the value of the FTSE 100 in just two days of trading on Monday and Tuesday. And on Wednesday the oil giant Chevron instructed 300 staff to stay away from its Canary Wharf headquarters after an employee developed flu-like symptoms following his return from Italy, even though the official government advice is that there is no need to close workplaces. Meanwhile, in Milan, which lies outside the quarantine zone, supermarket shelves have been stripped of pasta and fresh vegetables by worried shoppers, and museums and other public buildings are shut. ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

Coronavirus: Government to stop giving daily updates about where new infections are in UK
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/coronavirus-news-infections-spread-map-uk-information-location-a9375131.html

The government is to stop giving daily updates on where cases of coronavirus have been found in the UK, officials have said.

A Department of Health said the decision had been taken due to the "number of new cases".

Instead, citizens will have to wait until the end of the week to find out the location of new infections.

Until this point, the government has offered updates each afternoon on the number and whereabouts of new cases. ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluWiki, Facebook:

All 25 bingo players at a British Legion club are forced to self-isolate after one catches coronavirus from family member at centre of Surrey outbreak
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8074229/All-25-bingo-players-British-Legion-club-self-isolate-one-catches-coronavirus-relative.html

--25 bingo-playing members of a British Legion club in Surrey are self-isolating
--PHE ordered the 25 people who attended last Tuesday's draw to remain at home
--One of the players caught the potentially deadly virus from a relative
--A husband and wife have been confirmed as having the Covid-19 infection
--Their son, who attends St Edmund's in Hindhead, Surrey, is in self isolation
--He has not yet tested positive for the virus, the 470 pupil school remains open ---CONTINUED---

Hat Tip to FluTrackers:

...The first case of coronavirus in Liverpool has been confirmed.
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/first-coronavirus-case-confirmed-liverpool-17863228

Mayor Joe Anderson and Liverpool City Council have revealed that a Liverpool resident has been diagnosed with the potentially deadly virus.

The resident is believed to have contracted the virus during a recent trip to northern Italy...

Hat Tip to FluTrackers:

Four new coronavirus cases confirmed in Greater Manchester, bringing total to nine - latest updates
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/coronavirus-live-new-cases-manchester-17863118

There are now nine cases of coronavirus in the region
By Chris Slater
Updated17:20, 4 MAR 2020

There are four new cases of coronavirus in Greater Manchester, it has been confirmed.

One person has tested positive for the virus in Oldham and three people in Trafford.

All four became infected after travelling to Italy.

It brings the total number of confirmed cases in Greater Manchester to nine...

Hat Tip to FluTrackers:

Three people in Trafford have tested positive for coronavirus
http://altrincham.today/2020/03/04/news/three-people-trafford-tested-positive-coronavirus/

By David Prior at 4:43pm on 4th March 2020

Three cases of coronavirus have this afternoon been confirmed in Trafford – in addition to the Wythenshawe Hospital patient who tested positive earlier today.

The three latest cases had all travelled to northern Italy, where COVID-19 is more widespread.

There’s no more information about exactly where in Trafford the individuals are located..

Hat Tip to FluTrackers:

Number of cases
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public#number-of-cases

As of 4 March, a total of 16,659 people have been tested in the UK, of which 16,574 were confirmed negative. 85 were confirmed as positive.

The Department of Health and Social Care will be publishing updated data on this page every day at 2pm until further notice. This data is accurate as of 9am on the day of publication.

If more cases are confirmed in the UK, it will be announced by the Chief Medical Officer of the affected country.

Hat Tip to John West's Daily Big Threat Blog:

Coronavirus: 87 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in UK after biggest daily jump
https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-total-of-85-cases-of-covid-19-now-confirmed-in-uk-11949250

England's chief medical officer tells Sky News a serious UK coronavirus outbreak is "almost certain" with "some deaths" expected.

The UK has seen its biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases, with 87 people now confirmed to have the virus.

Thirty-six new patients in the UK have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, it was announced on Wednesday - with 32 in England, two in Scotland and two in Northern Ireland. ---CONTINUED---