Two people from the same family have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK, the chief medical officer for England has announced, BBC reports.
It is understood the patients were staying in a hotel in Yorkshire, before being taken overnight to a specialist centre in Newcastle.
At least 213 people in China have died from the virus, with almost 10,000 cases nationally.
There have been more than 100 cases in other 22 countries.
Prof Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England said the NHS was “extremely well-prepared for managing infections” and it was quickly trying to identify any contacts the patients had to prevent further spread.
He said the two people could not be identified because of patient confidentiality.
“We have been preparing for UK cases of novel coronavirus and we have robust infection control measures in place to respond immediately,” he added.
Prof Whitty said the unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary was experienced in treating people with infectious diseases and there was “a high chance people would get better”, based on current information.
