Two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK.
The patients, in England, are members of the same family, and are now the first people in the UK to be diagnosed with the virus since its outbreak.
It comes just one day after the World Health Organisation declared a global health emergency.
Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England said: 'We can confirm that two patients in England, who are members of the same family, have tested positive for coronavirus.
Update on #Coronavirus:@CMO_England statement on two confirmed cases in England.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) January 31, 2020
▶️ https://t.co/lAQUTk8qm4 pic.twitter.com/7p77OihKmv
'The patients are receiving specialist NHS care, and we are using tried and tested infection control procedures to prevent further spread of the virus.
READ MORE: World Health Organisation declares global health emergency
'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.'
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