We are realising it’s really infectious when you are close up
the spread of the virus. Dr David Nabarro, of the World Health Organisation, said: “The most important thing we are realising is it’s really infectious but it’s infectious if you are close up with people.
“So social distancing, learning to actually not have to be very close with each other, is really important.”
Meanwhile, US oil giant Chevron yesterday sent home 300 workers from its Canary Wharf office in London after an employee, who had returned from a country hit by coronavirus, reported flulike symptoms.
The energy firm said: “Chevron continues to monitor the situation very closely, utilising the guidance of international and local health authorities.”
It comes as the global death toll of the virus rose to 2770 with the number of cases standing at 81,292 last night. The coronavirus has hit 45 countries and the disease is spreading faster outside China, where the outbreak began and 2715 people have lost their lives.
There have been 13 confirmed cases in Britain, eight of whom have made a recovery. Dramatic measures have been taken at schools in Britain, with pupils and staff told to remain at home and self-isolate after returning from ski trips in northern Italy.
The Italian government has put 11 towns in Lombardy and Veneto into lockdown.
Meanwhile, BBC Radio 4 host Nick Robinson revealed he is in selfisolation at home after returning from a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, where cases have been recorded.
He tweeted: “Thanks to staff at @ WhitHealth who tested me last night on return from great holiday in
Vietnam & Cambodia. Routine precautionary check on doctors advice. Hope for all clear within 48 hours.”
Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow is also in self-isolation after travelling to Iran, where at least 12 people have died amid an outbreak there.
Robinson, 56, told how he drove himself to hospital and was met by a nurse in full protective gear who tested him through his car window.
He was sent home and says he is keeping himself in isolation there for 48 hours while awaiting the results of tests.
He said: “I’m fine actually, I’ve just had a fantastic three-week holiday in Vietnam and Cambodia. As you maybe can hear I’m a little bit croaky.
“I’ve got a little bit of a cough but I did before I went on holiday. Still, my doctor said as a precaution, and to be considerate, I should report myself .”
SPORT HIT BY VIRUS - PAGE 50
DR DAVID NABARROE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION