What are the first symptoms of coronavirus and how do they differ from cold or flu

UP TO 10,000 Brits could already be infected with undiagnosed coronavirus, experts have warned.

Speaking after a COBRA meeting, Boris Johnson said the number of cases in the UK is expected to rise sharply – warning the peak is still weeks away.

The Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance added the 590 reported cases in the UK could be the tip of the iceberg.
He said: “”If you calculate what that really means in terms of the total number, it is much more likely that we have between 5,000 and 10,000 people infected at the moment.”

BRITS are being told to do their duty for the country’s coronavirus effort and self-isolate for seven days if they have a mild cough or cold.

Anyone with even mild symptoms should not leave home for seven days from when their symptoms start to stop the virus spreading.

People staying at home for seven days should stay at least two metres away from people whenever possible, according to Public Health England’s guidelines.

They should also sleep alone – as well as wash their hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water.

FAMILIES could soon be told to self-isolate if just ONE of them has coronavirus symptoms, it emerged today.

At the moment Brits who get ill are being told to stay away from the people in their home as best they can – and avoid contact with others.

But in future whole families could have to go into lockdown to stop the spread further, experts said earlier.

That could be for up to a fortnight to make sure that everyone in the family has time for the symptoms to show and to get over the most infectious part of the disease.

However, that is not advice the Government is recommending at the moment – as we are not yet at the peak of the illness.

BORIS JOHNSON tonight warned people over 70 with serious medical conditions should avoid taking cruises to protect them from coronavirus.

The new advice is based on guidance from the Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty, and follows a number of cases around the world of cruise ships experiencing outbreaks on board.

Underlying conditions include diabetes, respiratory disease, asthma, chronic heart, liver or neurological disease, a weakened immune system or any recent or undergoing chemotherapy.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “The nature and design of cruise ships – where passengers are contained and the virus can spread faster – makes them a particularly risky environment for vulnerable people.”

Boris Johnson today confirmed schools would stay open because closing them could actually make things worse.
The Prime Minister vowed to keep them open for now but slapped a ban on school trips abroad.
Instead schools will be monitored and only forced to close on an individual basis.

Mr Johnson said: “We are not closing schools now, the scientific advice is that this could do more harm than good at this time.

“Schools should only close if they are specifically advised to do so.”

Boris Johnson has ruled out cancelling public gatherings over the coronavirus despite Scotland issuing a ban.

The Prime Minister refused to cancel sporting events and concerts to combat the disease as it offered no real benefit.

His decision comes as Scotland banned gatherings of more than 500 people.

He said: “The scientific advice as we’ve said over the last couple of weeks is that banning such events will have little effect on the spread.

“So we’re discussing these issues with colleagues in all parts of the United Kingdom and will have more to say shortly about the timing of further action in that respect.”