1,500 fliers from China to UK told ‘isolate yourself’
Traveller alert over ‘more contagious’ virus Stranded Brits plead for airlift out of Wuhan
HUNDREDS of recent arrivals to the UK from China have been told to put themselves in lockdown amid evidence coronavirus is more contagious than thought.
Health officials want to trace 1,460 people who travelled here from Wuhan, the city at the centre of the outbreak, but have only made contact with around 150 by email.
As pressure mounted to airlift Brits from Wuhan city, scientists said the virus could be transmitted by carriers before they develop symptoms.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Coronaviruses do not usually spread if people don’t have symptoms, but we cannot be 100% certain.
“We are therefore asking anyone in the UK who has returned from Wuhan in the last 14 days to selfisolate.” They should stay indoors, avoid people, and contact NHS 111.
If they developed respiratory issues they should call their GP or 111. But Mr Hancock stressed: “Do not leave your home.” He said officials were using “all possible means” to track down the 1,460.
He said: “We’re collaborating with the Border Force, airlines and others, including universities, schools and cultural organisations, to try to make contact.”
Prof Yvonne Doyle, of Public Health England, said the first case here was likely to come from somebody already in the UK.
She told Sky News it was “critical” the NHS was ready “to designate the person to the right facilities”.
Mr Hancock told the Commons four hospitals – in London, Newcastle and Liverpool – were “stood up and ready” to treat victims. As China president Xi Jinping warned the spread of the virus was accelerating, 200 Brits in the Hubei province were waiting for the UK Government to act. French expats have been told of plans to bus them out, while 90 Germans will be evacuated by the German Air Force. Adam Bridgeman, 33, is trying to leave Wuhan with wife Su, 32, and their four-week-old son. He said: “As far as I am aware, the British Government isn’t doing anything.”
As far as I am aware the UK isn’t doing anything
ADAM BRIDGEMAN EX-PAT IN WUHAN