Third person in UK tests positive as ambassador calls for support

A third person in the UK has tested positive for coronavirus, England’s chief medical officer has said.

Professor Chris Whitty said the person, who did not contract the virus in the UK, is currently being transferred to an infectious diseases centre for treatment.

The Guardian reported the patient was diagnosed in Brighton and is being moved to London, where there are infectious diseases units at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and the Royal Free.

Two other patients are still being treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary infectious diseases centre in Newcastle upon Tyne.

The Chinese government announced last night that the death toll had risen to more than 630 in the country.

In a statement, Prof Whitty said: “A further patient has tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in the UK to three.

“The individual did not acquire this in the UK.

The Chinese ambassador to the UK warned against “rumours and panic”.

Speaking to reporters in London, Liu Xiaoming called on the UK Government to support China in its handling of the outbreak.

He said: “It is of hope that governments of all countries, including the UK, should understand and support China’s efforts, avoid overreaction, avoid creating panic, and ensure normal co-operation and exchanges between countries.”

Mr Liu tweeted that the UK should respect the World Health Organisation (WHO), which has warned against travel and trade restrictions on China.

The Foreign Office in the UK has advised Britons in China to leave if they are able to.

Mr Liu’s tweet said: “We hope the UK will respect the professional advice of WHO and ensure the normal cooperation and exchanges between China and the UK.”

Picture: PA. A woman wears a mask outside Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle Upon Tyne where two patients are currently being treated for coronavirus.