But Italy death toll continues to rise

individuals in the UK is low. Thirteen cases have been confirmed so far in Britain, including four people who returned from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was quarantined in Japan. They are being treated at specialist centres in the north of England.

Asked whether Britain could put in place similar measures to the Italians, the Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “We are using tried-and-tested procedures to prevent further spread and the NHS is used to managing infections. We remain prepared for all eventualities.”

The outbreak originated in Wuhan,

THE world must prepare for a possible coronavirus pandemic, the head of the World Health Organisation has warned.

Tedros Ghebreyesus said the spread is not yet at pandemic stage but acknowledged it has the potential to become one.

The UK Government has a “pandemic preparedness strategy” in the case of a very serious influenza outbreak, which, as with coronavirus, causes respiratory illness.

The advice in the strategy document

China, with 77,362 cases in the country and 2618 deaths. There are also now 2074 cases confirmed in 28 other countries and 24 deaths.

In Iran, schools and universities have closed.

South Korea’s president, Moon Jae-in, placed the country on “red alert” at the weekend after its fifth death and scores of new cases, taking the total above 600.

The head of the World Health Organisation warned the world to prepare for a global pandemic. Tedros

The sudden increase of new cases is deeply concerning TEDROS GHEBREYESUS DIRECTOR GENERAL, WHO

includes ways to reduce the spread of infection. It states anyone ill should stay at home, minimise close contacts and adopt thorough hygiene practices.

People are advised to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing, dispose immediately of the tissue and frequently wash their hands. Face masks can protect

WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus