The Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, has announced that country's first two confirmed 2019-nCoV cases, albeit with a notable lack of detail; there is no mention of where these two cases acquired the virus (ie. travel-related or locally acquired).
CMO confirms cases of coronavirus in England
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, statement about cases of novel coronavirus in England.
Published 31 January 2020
From: Department of Health and Social Care
We can confirm that two patients in England, who are members of the same family, have tested positive for coronavirus. The patients are receiving specialist NHS care, and we are using tried and tested infection control procedures to prevent further spread of the virus.
The NHS is extremely well-prepared and used to managing infections and we are already working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients had, to prevent further spread.
We have been preparing for UK cases of novel coronavirus and we have robust infection control measures in place to respond immediately. We are continuing to work closely with the World Health Organization and the international community as the outbreak in China develops to ensure we are ready for all eventualities.
