Health bosses have admitted there is an “increased likelihood” of the deadly coronavirus coming to the UK.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, in a statement to the Commons yesterday, admitted there was a risk the virus could reach Britain, but said the NHS was “well equipped” to deal with an outbreak.
There have so far been more than 500 confirmed cases of the virus, which has killed 17 people in China.
The majority of cases are in Wuhan, which is one of two Chinese cities on lockdown, but there are also confirmed cases in Japan, South Korea and the United States.
Mr Hancock said: “The chief medical officer has revised the risk to the UK population from ‘very low’ to ‘low’ and has concluded that, while there is an increased likelihood that cases may arise in this country, we are well prepared and well equipped to deal with them.
“The UK is one of the first countries to have developed a world-leading test for the new coronavirus. The NHS is ready to respond appropriately to any cases that emerge.
“Clinicians, both in primary and secondary care, have already received advice covering initial detection and investigation of possible cases, infection prevention and control and clinical diagnostics.”
He added: “We are working closely with our counterparts in the devolved administrations and the public can be assured that the whole of the UK is always well-prepared for these types of outbreaks.
“And we will remain vigilant and keep our response under constant review in the light of emerging scientific evidence.”
Mr Hancock said travel advice has been updated recommending against “all but essential travel” to Wuhan city and Chinese visitors to the UK will be given advice on what to do if they fall ill during their trip.
Shadow health minister Sharon Hodgson said a passenger arriving from Wuhan on Wednesday reported he had “gone through virtually no screening at all but given a leaflet”, asking if Mr Hancock had a response.
Mr Hancock responded: “It’s important that we get the enhanced monitoring right and the challenge here is symptoms for the Wuhan coronavirus do not usually appear until five to 10 days, sometimes up to 14 days.
“Therefore, the advice is that the most important part of the monitoring is to ensure that everybody knows what to do if the symptoms arise.”
