Covid-19: Northern Ireland records two new cases as UK total hits 87
Two more cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Northern Ireland, which brings the total number of UK cases to 87.
The Public Health Agency said that one test result is confirmed positive and two further results are “presumptive positive”
It said it is “continuing to work with partners across the UK including Public Health England, as well as the Department of Health and health trusts in Northern Ireland, and the health service in the Republic of Ireland”.
Earlier today the Department of Health reported another 34 Covid-19 infections, which pushed the UK’s total number of coronavirus cases from 51 recorded yesterday to the new total.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson had warned of a “significant expansion” in the number of British Covid-19 infections yesterday as he unveiled plans for a worst-case scenario.
Chief medical officer Chris Whitty said 32 more patients in England have tested positive for the novel coronavirus strain. And 29 of those had returned from “recognised” hotbeds for the disease.
“As of 9am this morning, 32 further patients in England have tested positive for Covid-19,” chief medical officer Chris Whitty said.
“Twenty-nine had recently travelled from recognised countries or from recognised clusters which were under investigation.
Unclear how three UK coronavirus patients caught infection
“Three additional patients contracted the virus in the UK and it is not yet clear whether they contracted it directly or indirectly from an individual who had recently returned from abroad.
“This is being investigated and contact tracing has begun.”
“Following previously reported confirmed cases in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, the total number of UK cases is 85,” the Department of Health tweeted. “All are being investigated and contact tracing has begun.”
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In a sign of the severity of the influx of new UK coronavirus cases, the Department of Health added it would no longer tweet the location of each newly diagnosed patient.
Instead it will release this data “in a consolidated format online”.
Today’s UK coronavirus case update followed the government changing the UK’s sick pay policy.
Now Brits will get an extra three days of sick pay to encourage them to stay at home if they are unwell. Previously statutory sick pay was paid four days into sick leave.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament that anyone who stays at home when sick is “helping to protect all of us by slowing the spread of the virus”.
Government outlines worst case scenario
Yesterday the government revealed one in five UK workers would be absent from work as a result of the coronavirus.
Downing Street warned 80 per cent of Brits could catch Covid-19 as it predicted a large spike in UK coronavirus cases in a worst case scenario.
Most people would experience mild or even no symptoms, while a minority may require hospital treatment for pneumonia.
Number 10’s UK coronavirus battle plan estimated a one per cent death rate for the disease.
In an attempt to quell the spread of cases around the UK, the government intends to:
- Discourage people from using public transport
- Encourage Brits to work from home
- Cancel large public gatherings
- Close schools
Today the NHS issued new health advice to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Brits are advised to wash their hands regularly, and for 20 seconds.
It follows a spate of pictures emerging on social media showing people on public transport wearing face masks, gas masks and even Tesco bags to avoid catching Covid-19.
More to follow.