First patient dies in UK as coronavirus cases soar
Number of positive tests double inside 48 hours
A PATIENT with underlying health conditions has become the first person in the UK to die after testing positive for coronavirus.
The older patient had been “in and out of hospital” for other reasons, but was admitted on Wednesday evening to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading and tested positive.
The news comes as cases of coronavirus in the UK have more than doubled in 48 hours, and the country moves towards the “delay phase” of tackling the virus.
Some 116 people have tested positive: 105 in England, two in Wales, six in Scotland and three in Northern Ireland. Just two days ago there were 51 UK cases.
A statement from the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust said: “Sadly, we can confirm that an older patient with underlying health conditions has died.
“The patient has previously been in and out of hospital for non-coronavirus reasons, but on this occasion was admitted and tested positive for coronavirus. The family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said he was “very sorry” to report the news and offered “sincere condolences” to the family.
He added: “We believe they contracted the virus in the UK and contact tracing is already under way.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson added: “Our sympathies are very much with the victim and their family.” And Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “My sincere condolences to their family and loved ones. We will work tirelessly to protect the public from this disease.”
Officials later confirmed 18 people diagnosed with coronavirus have since recovered, while 45 of the confirmed cases are being treated at home.
Last week Japanese authorities said a British tourist who had been on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was quarantined in Japan, had died after contracting the virus. On Wednesday Government advice was updated to urge anyone returning to the UK from “lockdown” areas in northern Italy to self-isolate regardless of whether they have symptoms, while travellers from any other part of the country should call 111 or self-isolate if they feel unwell.
Downing Street said yesterday it is “highly likely” that coronavirus will now spread in a “significant way”.
Earlier Prof Whitty warned that critical care beds in the NHS could come under intense pressure during a coronavirus epidemic.
He later added that people with “very minimal” symptoms should stay at home because it would be “safer and more pleasant” for them.
Of the new cases, 17 people had
recently travelled from countries or clusters already under investigation, while eight people contracted the virus in the UK and are being investigated. Four other cases are still to be determined.
In other key developments: ITV revealed that travel companies are deferring their TV advertising, with associated revenue due to drop 10% in April.
The Grand Princess cruise ship is being held off the coast of California after a former passenger died from Covid-19.
Starbucks said it was “pausing the use of personal cups” and washable ceramic cups for those drinking their beverage in the UK, US and Canadian stores.
England’s Six Nations rugby match against Italy on March 14 in Rome has been postponed.
HSBC said one of its employees at Canary Wharf had been infected.
Prof Whitty gave evidence to the Health and Social Care Committee, with MPs including former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
He said it would be “lucky” to get a vaccine for Covid-19 in the next year, but it would “not get us out of a hole now”, although other treatments may work.