Boris Johnson has said it remains “business as usual” in the UK after the country saw its first death of a person who tested positive for coronavirus.
The patient, who had underlying conditions, had been “in an out of hospital” for other reasons, but was admitted on Wednesday evening to the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust and tested positive.
It is understood the patient was a woman aged in her 70s.
Speaking shortly after the death was announced, the Prime Minister extended his “sympathies” to the woman and her family, but said the situation in the UK remains “pretty much as it has been”.
He added the country remains in the “contain phase” – the first stage of the government’s response to the outbreak – but “scientists and medical advisers are making preparations for the delay phase”.
The PM said the advice is still “wash your hands and business as usual”.
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