Two More People Test Positive For Coronavirus In The UK

Two further patients in the UK have tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the number to 15.

The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed the news on Thursday in a statement, adding that the patients have been transferred to specialist NHS infection centres in Royal Liverpool Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital, London.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty confirmed that the virus had been passed on to the patients in Italy and Tenerife, respectively.

As of Wednesday, the official number of patients in the UK stood at 13, including four people who arrived in the UK from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, according to Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty.

The same day, more than 300 workers have been sent home from their offices at London's Canary Wharf.

US oil company Chevron sent staff home on Tuesday, after an employee was sent for coronavirus testing following a trip to one of the countries affected by the deadly virus.

The company said: "Chevron continues to monitor the situation very closely, utilising the guidance of international and local health authorities.

"Our primary concern is the health and safety of our employees and we are taking precautionary measures to reduce their risk of exposure."

More than 120,000 people work in Canary Wharf which is also home to five shopping malls.

This week, some schools have been forced to either close or send pupils home over fears of a coronavirus spread.

The first cases of coronavirus (also known as (COVID-19) in the UK were declared earlier this month as the global death toll continues to climb, with 81,229 cases and 2,769 deaths worldwide as of Wednesday.