Twelve more people in
England have tested positive for novel coronavirus, officials have confirmed.
The latest cases bring the total number in the
UK to 35 – of which 33 have been found in England.
One of the patients, from Essex, had no relevant travel and it is not yet known how they contracted the virus – the second such known case in England.
Three of the patients were close contacts of a known case and were transmitted in the UK.
A statement from Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, said: “As of 9am this morning 12 further patients in England have tested positive for COVID-19.
“Three patients were close contacts of a known case, transmitted in the UK, identified as part of contact tracing.
“One patient, resident in Essex, had no relevant travel and it is not yet clear whether they contracted it directly or indirectly from an individual who had recently returned from abroad; investigations are ongoing.
“Of the remaining eight cases, six had recently travelled from
Italy and two from Iran.12 further patients in England have tested positive for COVID-19. Further details ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7uTkl1Qmyp— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) March 1, 2020“The patients who have recently travelled are from
London, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Hertfordshire and Gloucestershire. All are being investigated and contact tracing has begun.”
He added: “The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 33. Following previously reported confirmed cases in Northern
Ireland and Wales, the total number of UK cases is 35.”Related... The Truth Behind Five Coronavirus Myths Schools Could Be Closed And
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