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Number Of Confirmed Cases Of Coronavirus In UK Has Risen To 163

Number Of Confirmed Cases Of Coronavirus In UK Has Risen To 163

As of 9am this morning, 20,338 people have been tested in the UK

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK has risen to 163.

The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that as of 9am this morning (6 March) 20,338 people had been tested in the UK, of which 20,175 were confirmed negative and 163 were confirmed as positive.

There are now 163 positive cases of coronavirus.
PA

Based on the World Health Organization's declaration that this is a public health emergency of international concern, the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the UK from low to moderate.

One person in the UK has died after being diagnosed, with Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, said: "I am very sorry to report a patient in England who tested positive for Covid-19 has sadly died. I offer my sincere condolences to their family and friends and ask that their request for privacy is respected.

"The patient, who was being treated at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, was an older patient who had underlying health conditions. We believe they contracted the virus in the UK and contact tracing is already underway."

Outside of the UK mainland, a passenger on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan was the first British person to die after contracting the virus.

The Diamond Princess liner was carrying 3,700 people, including 78 Brits, when a male passenger disembarked at Hong Kong and tested positive for the disease.

People wearing face masks in Trafalgar Square, London.
PA

Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

Novel coronavirus (Covid-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China.

If you are worried about coronavirus, people are being advised to use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. In Scotland call your GP - or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours. In Wales call 111 (if available in your area) or 0845 46 47. In Northern Ireland call 111.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, News, Coronavirus, UK