Number of Coronavirus cases in the UK doubles within 24 hours

by Nikos Papanikolaou

The number of Coronavirus cases in the UK has doubled within 24 hours, from four to eight, as two more people in Brighton were diagnosed with the virus.

Two doctors in a busy GP practice in Brighton fell ill, causing panic in Brighton’s streets. The health secretary, Matt Hancock, gave the Police unprecedented powers as the spread of the virus is being considered as “a serious and imminent threat” to the public. 

The World Health Organisation, however, suggests that with basic protective measures, people can avoid contamination. These measures are:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty.

• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

• If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early.

• As a general precaution, practice general hygiene measures when visiting live animal markets, wet markets or animal product markets.

• Avoid consumption of raw or undercooked animal products.

The new measures mean that police can force someone at risk of having the virus into quarantine if necessary. There are also measures that can lead to school closures, “blanket bans” on sport and religious events and transport restrictions.

The death toll for the Coronavirus virus has risen to 1,000 as fears grow that China is struggling to control the deadly virus outbreak.