Third victim to die in Britain is a man in his 60s who had returned from Italy
A MAN in his 60s who had recently returned from Italy last night became the third person to die of coronavirus in Britain.
The man, who had underlying health problems, died at North Manchester General Hospital after testing positive.
England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said: “I am very sorry to report that a third 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 privacy is respected.”
The third death came as the Government ramps up its response to the crisis. Whitehall officials fear around 100,000 people in the UK could die, with 273 confirmed cases yesterday after the biggest daily rise yet.
The UK is set to move to the “delay” phase of the Government’s response, which could see schools closed and more people urged to work from home.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has vowed the NHS “will get whatever resources it needs to get us through this crisis”.
Boris Johnson, who will today chair his second emergency Cobra meeting, is expected to say: “The number of cases continues to rise in the UK and around the world.
“We are well prepared and will continue to make decisions to protect the public based on the latest scientific advice. Tackling coronavirus requires a national and international effort. I am confident the British people are ready to play their part in that.
“The most valuable thing people can do is wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.”
The statement came as a
Grimsby woman revealed what it is like to be tested for the virus after she was visited at home by a medic in a hazmat suit.
She has had to self-isolate after returning from a holiday to Thailand.
The number of people in the UK who have tested positive increased by 67 today, from the previous total of 206 cases confirmed on Saturday.
Public Health England added that more than 23,500 people have been tested.
Around 3,660 people worldwide have died, with health officials confirming this weekend more than 100 countries are battling Covid-19.
Latest figures last night showed there were 107,520 confirmed cases.
An Oxford University student was yesterday confirmed as testing positive for the virus. University chiefs insisted the student had not attended any classes or lectures once they fell ill.
A Whitehall source said: “Everyone has been focusing on the worst case but this is what the experts actually expect to happen.”
Mr Sunak said rolling medical advice on “the spread and the timing of the virus” will “impact the timing for what we might want to do” – suggesting he could introduce a new raft of measures when the virus peaks.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Public safety is my top priority. Responding to coronavirus is a massive national effort. I’m working to ensure we have a proportionate emergency bill, with the right measures to deal with a widespread outbreak.”