'Crucial' Hunt For Source Of First UK-Infected Coronavirus Case Underway
A search to find the source of UK’s first coronavirus infection within the country will be ‘crucial’ in preventing its spread, experts have warned.
On Friday it was revealed that a new case of coronavirus – the 20th out of 23 confirmed in the UK – had not been contracted abroad like the previous cases.
Health officials have said that it is not yet clear if the virus had been passed on “directly or indirectly” from somebody who had recently travelled abroad.
Jonathan Ball, professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham, said UK transmission was “always a real possibility” and that with symptoms very similar to flu, it can be easy for Covid-19 to go under the radar.
“This case – a person testing positive for novel coronavirus with no known link to an affected area or known case – marks a new chapter for the UK and it will be crucial to understand where the infection came from to try to prevent more extensive spread,” said Ball.
“This was always a concern – this is a virus that frequently causes symptoms very similar to mild flu or a common cold, and it’s easily transmitted from person to person.
“This means it can easily go under the radar.”
Three new cases of the virus were confirmed on Saturday, all of which were found in patients who had recently travelled to high-risk countries. The total number of cases now stands at 23.
Meanwhile, government is reportedly preparing to bring in new emergency powers to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
It is understood that this will give schools, councils and other parts of the public sector powers to suspend laws – including health and safety measures – to cope with a pandemic.
Teachers and nursery workers will be allowed to have larger classes to cope with staff absences under the laws, which are due to be introduced next week.
Dr Stephen Griffin, associate professor at the University of Leeds, said: “Whilst the first person-to-person transmission within the UK may come as...
