Four people in Scotland are being tested for suspected coronavirus after travelling to the country from Wuhan, China, according to the head of infection medicine at the University of Edinburgh.
Health secretary Matt Hancock said earlier today that the NHS was “ready to respond appropriately” to any cases of coronavirus.
In a statement to MPs in the House Commons on Thursday, he said 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”.
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On Wednesday night, China suspended all flights, including international services, out of Wuhan city – the epicentre of the virus outbreak.
Another city close to Wuhan, Huanggang, is also on lock-down as officials try to contain the spread of the virus.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is due to reconvene later to decide whether the recent coronavirus outbreak in China is an international public health emergency.
Mr Hancock told MPs there had been 571 cases of coronavirus and 17 deaths confirmed by the Chinese government.
He said: “This is a rapidly developing situation and the number of deaths and the number of cases is likely to be higher than those that have been confirmed so far, and I expect them to rise further.”
He told how cases of the virus have also been reported in Thailand, Japan, South Korea and the US.
Mr Hancock said “most people” affected have experienced cold and flu symptoms, though some cases have proved fatal.
“We have been closely monitoring the situation in Wuhan and have put in place proportionate, precautionary measures,” he said.
“Since yesterday, Public Health England officials have been carrying out enhanced monitoring of direct flights from Wuhan city and all passengers on direct flights from China will receive information on what to do if they fall ill.”
He said England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, is in contact with international experts and his counterparts to monitor the situation.
One British traveller said he was surprised there were not more checks at Heathrow airport for those travelling from the Chinese city at the heart of a deadly virus outbreak.
Thomas Crosby said passengers were handed leaflets telling them to call health professionals if they develop symptoms of a new coronavirus that has killed at least 17 people in China. However, he claimed he was not screened on landing.
“I haven’t had my temperature checked,” Mr Crosby told the BBC while still at the airport. “I wasn’t questioned at passport control.”
The passenger said after leaving Wuhan, which has gone into lockdown after with a new strain of deadly pneumonia has infected hundreds of poeple, he “would expect more than what happened” on arriving in the UK.
Additional reporting by agencies.
