Coronavirus: UK cases rise to 319

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world

Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

The number of coronavirus cases in the UK has risen by 46 to 319, the government has announced.

According to latest daily update from the Department of Health, a total of 24,641 people have tested negative for the illness.

The number of deaths from the virus remains at three, all of whom had underlying health conditions.

Boris Johnson chaired an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday, during which ministers mulled “social distancing” measures, including banning large events, closing schools and encouraging people to work from home.

The prime minister’s spokesperson insisted the UK remained in the containment phase of the outbreak, but “now accepted that coronavirus will spread in a significant way”.

Moving to the next delay stage would mean social distancing measures could be brought in – and senior medical officials have suggested this phase could arrive soon.

Last week, England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty told MPs the UK was mainly moving towards the delay stage, while on Saturday deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries said country was “teetering on the edge” of sustained transmission.

As of 9am on Monday, 280 cases had been identified in England – 61 of which are in the capital.

Wales is home to six cases, while Northern Ireland has discovered 12. Five new cases were announced in Scotland on Monday, where the total sits at 23.

Meanwhile, doctors have warned some hospitals are weeks away running out of protective equipment for staff.

One NHS manager told The Independent they were aware of three NHS trusts which did not have enough equipment and were rationing in order to make supplies last.

Additional reporting by PA