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Coronavirus: How many cases are there in your area? Coronavirus: How many cases are there in your area?
(about 20 hours later)
A total of 1,543 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK, with the country now ramping up measures as part of the second stage of the government's phased plan to tackle the outbreak. A total of 1,543 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK - but the actual number of cases is estimated to be between 35,000 and 50,000.
Some 44,105 people in the UK have been tested for the respiratory infection so far. More than 50 people who tested positive have died. The country is now ramping up measures to tackle the outbreak, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson issuing new guidance for the public on Monday.
Some 44,105 people in the UK have been tested for the respiratory infection according to latest figures available. More than 50 people who tested positive have died.
Find out how many people have confirmed cases in your area:Find out how many people have confirmed cases in your area:
If you can't see the look-up click here.If you can't see the look-up click here.
The following maps, charts and graphics will help you understand the situation in the UK and how the authorities are dealing with it.The following maps, charts and graphics will help you understand the situation in the UK and how the authorities are dealing with it.
1. The number of UK cases is growing 1. The UK has changed course
The new coronavirus, which causes the respiratory disease known as Covid-19, was first confirmed in the UK at the end of January.The new coronavirus, which causes the respiratory disease known as Covid-19, was first confirmed in the UK at the end of January.
While there were a number of people testing positive throughout February, figures in the UK began to increase significantly at the beginning of March.While there were a number of people testing positive throughout February, figures in the UK began to increase significantly at the beginning of March.
Since then, cases have been reported across the UK, with 171 new cases announced on Monday. On Monday 16 March, Prime Minster Boris Johnson announced significant new measures to slow the spread of the virus, including: working from home where possible; stopping all unnecessary travel and for over 70s to self isolate at home in the coming weeks.
Most confirmed cases are in England, which has more than 1,100. But Scotland has 223 confirmed cases, Wales has 110 and Northern Ireland has 52. Most confirmed cases are in England, which has more than 1,100. But Scotland has 171 confirmed cases, Wales has 124 and Northern Ireland has 52.
The number of people that have died from the virus in the UK is now above 50.The number of people that have died from the virus in the UK is now above 50.
Confirmed case numbers for the UK are lower than other European countries, such as Italy, for example, where there have been almost 25,000 cases and more than 1,800 deaths, according to 16 March figures from the World Health Organization. Confirmed case numbers for the UK are lower than other European countries, such as Italy, for example, where there have been almost 28,000 cases and more than 1,800 deaths, according to 17 March figures from the World Health Organization.
However, the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has said there are probably between 5,000 and 10,000 people infected in the UK at this time. Globally, authorities have confirmed more than 173,000 cases of the coronavirus and more than 7,000 deaths.
He also said that many people will no longer be tested if they are showing mild symptoms. Only those with the most serious symptoms will be given a test in hospital. There have now been more than 90,000 cases outside China - overtaking the 81,116 in the country where the virus originated in December.
England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said the peak of the UK outbreak is most likely still 10 to 14 weeks away.
Globally, authorities have confirmed more than 160,000 cases of the coronavirus and almost 6,500 deaths.
There have now been more than 87,000 cases outside China - overtaking the 80,860 in the country where the virus originated in December.
2. We are in the second phase of the government's response2. We are in the second phase of the government's response
The government has published its action plan for dealing with the virus, which involves three phases - contain; delay; mitigate - alongside ongoing research.The government has published its action plan for dealing with the virus, which involves three phases - contain; delay; mitigate - alongside ongoing research.
While the emphasis has been on the contain and research phases up until this week, the country has now moved to the "delay" phase to stop the wider spread of the virus.While the emphasis has been on the contain and research phases up until this week, the country has now moved to the "delay" phase to stop the wider spread of the virus.
As part of the delay phase, people with even mild coronavirus symptoms - defined as a temperature above 37.8 C or a "new, continuous" cough - are being asked to self-isolate at home for 14 days to protect others and help slow the spread of the disease.As part of the delay phase, people with even mild coronavirus symptoms - defined as a temperature above 37.8 C or a "new, continuous" cough - are being asked to self-isolate at home for 14 days to protect others and help slow the spread of the disease.
Schools are also being advised to cancel trips abroad and people over 70 and those with pre-existing health conditions are being told not to go on cruises.
The delay phase could also mean further "social distancing" measures at a later date, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled out closing schools at this stage.
Action to isolate the over-70s for an extended period to shield them from coronavirus is planned in the coming weeks, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday, that even if you have no symptoms, you should still:Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday, that even if you have no symptoms, you should still:
The government is now encouraging self-isolation at home for over 70s, and those more vulnerable to the virus, for 12 weeks from Friday.
British nationals should also avoid all non-essential foreign travel to tackle the spread of coronavirus, the Foreign Office has advised.
If the virus becomes even more widespread, the government may then decide to enter the third phase of mitigation, when health services are asked to focus on critical care and retired NHS staff could be asked to return to work.If the virus becomes even more widespread, the government may then decide to enter the third phase of mitigation, when health services are asked to focus on critical care and retired NHS staff could be asked to return to work.
3. People who think they have coronavirus should self-isolate3. People who think they have coronavirus should self-isolate
If you have a "new, continuous" cough or high temperature and think you have coronavirus you are advised not to go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Instead, you and the people you live with should self isolate for 14 days.If you have a "new, continuous" cough or high temperature and think you have coronavirus you are advised not to go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Instead, you and the people you live with should self isolate for 14 days.
If symptoms persist you should contact the NHS's dedicated 111 online coronavirus service or call 111.If symptoms persist you should contact the NHS's dedicated 111 online coronavirus service or call 111.