Coronavirus update: 171 new cases in the last 24 hours
Date published: 16 March 2020
The total of 1,543 confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK includes 124 in Wales and 171 in Scotland
The Coronavirus crisis shows no sign of easing as new Department of Health figures have indicated this afternoon.
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK has shot up by 171 in the last 24 hours - to 1,543.
The latest DoH update reads: "As of 9am on 16 March 2020, 44,105 people have been tested in the UK, of which 42,562 were confirmed negative and 1,543 were confirmed as positive."
The total of 1,543 confirmed cases in the UK includes 124 in Wales and 171 in Scotland.
At least 36 people have now died in the UK after contracting coronavirus, after Wales announced its first death today.
Testing is being prioritised for those who are at most at risk - for example those in who are in hospital care for pneumonia or acute respiratory illness, health officials say.
The Department for Health says that people who are in the community with a fever or cough will likely not be tested.
Instead, tests will primarily be given to:
· All patients in critical care for pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or flu like illness
· All other patients requiring admission to hospital for pneumonia, ARDS or flu like illness
· Where an outbreak has occurred in a residential or care setting, for example long-term care facility or prisons
Anyone else who has a high temperature or a new, continuous cough should stay at home for seven days, according to the NHS.
Meanwhile, Downing Street has again stressed that there was no need for shoppers to panic-buy items.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Representatives of our leading supermarkets have been clear that people should shop as they normally do and have asked everyone to be considerate in the way they shop,”
“Retailers are taking all the necessary steps to ensure that consumers have the food and supplies they need and we are working closely with the food industry to ensure that there is resilience of the supply network."
Global stock markets have sunk again despite central banks around the world announcing a co-ordinated effort to ease the effects of the coronavirus.
US markets plunged more than 7%, triggering an automatic suspension of trade in the minute after opening.
London's FTSE 100 index dropped more than 4%, and other major European markets saw similar declines.
Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.
