Boris Johnson calls on Brits to remain 'confident and calm' over coronavirus threat
2 min read
Boris Johnson has told Brits to stay "confident and calm" as the country grapples with the threat of the coronavirus.
The Prime Minister heaped praise on the NHS's handling of the viral pneumonia - which has so far seen eight confirmed UK cases - and urged people to "simply follow their advice".
Speaking in Birmingham, Mr Johnson told ITV News: "We are a great country, we have got a fantastic NHS, we have got fantastic doctors and advice, and they should simply take the advice of the NHS.
"People have every reason to be confident and calm about all that kind of thing… all the coronavirus, and any threats from disease."
The Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday night that eight of the 1,358 coronavirus tests carried out in the country so far had returned positive results.
The Prime Minister's comments come after ministers toughened up legislation to force those suspected of having the virus to stay quarantined.
The Government has already declared the virus an "imminent threat" to public health, and the new powers mean authorities can place new restrictions on any individual considered by health professionals to be at risk of spreading it
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the Commons on Tuesday: "Dealing with this disease is a marathon, not a sprint. The situation will get worse before it gets better. We will be guided by the science. Be in no doubt: we will do everything that is effective to tackle this virus and keep people safe."
The virus was first identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan, capital of the Hubei province.
The Government is currently advising anyone who has travelled to the UK from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days who is experience flu-like symptoms to stay indoors and call the NHS.
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