First death in UK linked to coronavirus as cases double
A PATIENT with underlying health conditions has become the first person in the UK to die after testing positive for coronavirus.
The confirmation came as it was revealed that critical care beds in the UK could come under intense pressure due to the outbreak.
The victim – said to be woman in her 70s – had been “in and out of hospital” for other reasons but was admitted on Wednesday 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 as the country moves towards a new phase of tackling the virus.
Some 116 people have tested positive, including 105 in England, two in Wales, six in Scotland and three in Northern Ireland.
Just two days earlier, there were 51 UK cases.
It was reported that Yorkshire and the North-East have 10 cases, including one in Rotherham announced yesterday.
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 last night tested positive for coronavirus.”
England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said he was “very sorry” to report the news and offered “sincere condolences” to the family.
Last week, the Foreign Office confirmed a British tourist who had been on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was quarantined in Japan, had died from the virus.
Downing Street yesterday said 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. 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.
Starbucks has announced that branches in the UK will be “pausing the use of personal cups” as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus.
BANKS AND building societies have pledged to support those affected by coronavirus, including by increasing overdrafts and allowing payment relief for loans and mortgages in some cases.
People and businesses who are worried about gaps in their finances and their cashflow situation should contact their financial firm to discuss what help could be available.
Stephen Jones, chief executive of trade association UK Finance, said banks, building societies and credit card providers understand that some customers may be worried about the effect that contracting the coronavirus could have on their finances, for example due to a drop in income or because of unexpected expenses or bills to pay.
He said: “All providers are ready and able to offer support to their customers who are impacted directly or indirectly by Covid-19, which could include offering or increasing an overdraft or allowing repayment relief for loan or mortgage repayments: asking for help early is key.
“We would encourage customers who think they may be affected to contact their provider as soon as possible to discuss the support available to them.
“Banks and other finance providers recognise that the cashflow of small and medium-sized businesses may be disrupted by the coronavirus impacts and are committed to supporting viable businesses in continuing to trade while they implement their contingency plans.
“We would urge businesses to contact their finance providers early to discuss how they can help support their companies through the coming weeks.”
On Wednesday, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) said members will consider all valid
claims for cancellation and travel disruption as quickly as possible where compensation is not available elsewhere.
Insurers will make sure extra resources are available to offer prompt help to customers, it said.
Insurance firms will work closely with customers to direct them to where compensation may be received for cancelled transport, holidays or an inability to travel abroad, such as airlines, travel providers and travel agents.
Incoming Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey said this week that emergency supply chain finance is likely to be needed to help support firms struggling with the impact of Covid-19.
Mr Bailey, chief executive at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), told MPs on the Treasury Select Committee that the Bank and the Treasury will need to step in and help provide this financing.