Coronavirus: Confirmed cases of disease rise again in UK with widespread transmission now 'likely'

A total of 51 people have now been diagnosed with the deadly disease in this country.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock is warning that it is likely that there will be ‘widespread transmission’ of COVID-19 in the UK.

In a statement to the commons he said that the threat of coronavirus to the UK is ‘increasingly serious’ but stressed the Government and the health service are ‘well-prepared’.

He added: ‘Globally and at home the number of cases continues to rise.

‘As of 9am today there were 51 confirmed cases in the UK and it's becoming more likely that we will see widespread transmission here in this country.

‘Our approach is to plan for the worst and work for the best.’

He told MPs the UK is ‘well-prepared for infectious disease outbreaks of this kind’ and said the response remains in the containment phase.

He added: ‘Contain is about detecting the early cases, following up with close contacts, preventing the disease from taking hold in this country for as long as reasonably possible.

‘This approach also buys time for the NHS to ramp up its preparations.

‘If the number of global cases continues to rise, especially in Europe, the scientific advice is that we may not be able to contain this virus indefinitely.’

Mr Hancock continued: ‘This is a national effort, we need everyone to listen to and act on the official medical advice.

‘We need employers to prioritise the welfare of their staff and the single most important thing that everyone can do and I make no apologies for repeating this, is to use tissues when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands more often.

‘It's in your interest, your family's interest and in the national interest. We will get through this and everyone has a part to play.’

The World Health Organisation (WHO) have said that outbreaks of coronavirus are gathering pace in the Middle East, Europe and South Korea.

WHO leader Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said outbreaks in South Korea, Italy, Iran and Japan are the agency's greatest concern and the virus is uniquely capable of community transmission but could be contained with the right measures.