We must find patient zero
Search for spreader as 3 new Brits have virus
HEALTH bosses were last night hunting for “Patient Zero” who spread coronavirus from inside the UK.
The search continued for the spreader as three Brits returning from virus-hit areas – two from Italy and one from Asia – tested positive. They are from Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and Berkshire. A total of 23 Brits now have Covid-19.
A man in his 70s, who did not live in the UK, quarantined on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan became the first Briton to die from the virus. The US also reported its first death.
The victim infected without leaving the UK was treated at Haslemere Health Centre, Surrey, then taken to Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital in London. Chief Medical Officer Prof Chris Whitty said that contact tracing has begun.
Isolation
Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt claimed a GP, thought to work at Haslemere, was also showing symptoms of the infection.
Ruth Hutchinson, interim director of public health for Surrey County Council, said the council remains in “continuous contact” with Public Health England.
Yesterday video blogger David Abel, 74, from Northamptonshire, who is still in isolation in Japan with his wife, Sally, after leaving the cruise ship paid tribute to the dead Brit.
He added: “Our thoughts, our concern is for all of the families left behind. We are fortunate, we’re doing OK, we’re being really, really well cared for.”
Meanwhile Diamond Princess on board pianist Joel Rawlins, 26, of Chesham, Bucks, who tested positive, spoke about being repatriated to the UK and quarantined at a hospital on the Wirral.
He wrote on social media: “I was rushed straight to hospital and have been here ever since and will remain here until I eventually test negative.
“It’s almost been a week and most people know by now so I thought I’d announce it publically (sic).
Last weekend I was told I had tested positive for Covid-19/ Coronavirus, making me one of only 13 cases (now 23) in the entire country. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers, it means so much to me. I’ll be out soon, I can’t wait to catch up with everyone.”
In Hull medics in hazmat suits were pictured yesterday arriving at a house and removing a family with a young baby. A couple and two children were escorted by workers in full-body protective suits and taken to hospital in two ambulances.
A neighbour said: “At first I thought it was a murder scene. We saw two ambulances come both with two paramedics kitted-up with the full white suits and face masks and eye shields.”
The Radisson Blu in Liverpool has set up isolation rooms after a male guest, who had been to Thailand, fell ill. He is waiting to be assessed after showing symptoms.
It’s believed he decided to self-quarantine as a precaution but had already used the restaurant, bar and other facilities. Now other guests at the hotel are concerned for their own health. One said: “There are hundreds of people staying in the hotel so it could have already spread.”
Researchers have estimated that around one per cent of coronavirus cases will result in death.
Powers
The Government is preparing to bring in new emergency powers to help stop the virus spreading after ten cases were reported in just three days – and 1,000 were tested in the last 24 hours alone.
The emergency powers will give schools, councils and other parts of the public sector powers to suspend laws, including health and safety measures, to cope with a pandemic.
The first case of Covid-19 spreading from person to person in the UK has not surprised a leading British
researcher. Senior research fellow Dr Michael Head at Southampton University said: “Given the increase in cases around Europe and outside of China, it’s unsurprising to see a probable case of humanto-human transmission here in the UK.
“There will be significant efforts to look at how this patient came to be infected, who is the index case in the UK, and to see if any there are any other secondary cases.
“Though this is a notable development here in the UK, the overall risks to the public right now remain unchanged.”
Prof Jonathan Ball, of University of Nottingham, said cases with no links to travel was always a “concern”.
He said: “This was always a real possibility and one of the reasons that the
Government introduced more extensive surveillance. This will prove invaluable and help us understand where this virus is and who is infected. This will be essential if we are to implement measures to slow its spread.
“We can also do our bit by making sure we are vigilant with personal hygiene.”
The Government has warned that up to 70 per cent of Brits could develop coronavirus. In a worst case scenario situation, one in ten Brits will be hospitalised after developing it. Governments across the world have been pledging money to fund research into a vaccine. Here the Government has pledged a £20million. In addition the Wellcome Trust has donated £10million. It is hoped a vaccine will be readily available sooner
than originally expected.