3 Additional COVID-19 Cases in England... Total Infections Reach 23

Cases Occur Even Among Patients Without Overseas Travel History

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to Hold Emergency Security Meeting on March 2

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] Three additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) have been identified in the UK. This brings the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the UK to 23.

According to BBC and other sources on the 29th (local time), the UK Department of Health announced in a statement that three new COVID-19 cases were confirmed that day.

Among them, two recently traveled to Italy, and the remaining one had visited Asia.

The Department of Health explained, "As of 9 a.m. today, a total of 10,483 people have been tested for COVID-19, with 10,460 testing negative and 23 testing positive."

Four confirmed cases were reported the previous day, including the first patient infected within the UK.

Until now, all confirmed cases in the UK were individuals infected overseas and diagnosed after entering the country.

Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, stated that unlike other confirmed cases, this patient had not recently left the UK.

Professor Whitty explained, "The patient was infected within the UK," adding, "It is unclear whether the patient had direct or indirect contact with someone who recently traveled abroad."

Accordingly, health authorities are tracing those who had contact with this patient.

Of the 23 confirmed cases so far, 21 have been reported in England, with one each in Northern Ireland and Wales.

Professor Jonathan Ball of Nottingham University said, regarding the case in Surrey, "The UK has entered a new phase (related to COVID-19)," emphasizing that "identifying the transmission routes is essential."

He explained, "The (COVID-19) virus spreads easily between people," adding, "This means it can spread silently."

Helen Whately, Deputy Minister of Health, said, "We are well prepared but must acknowledge the possibility of more confirmed cases within the UK," and added, "A detailed plan outlining the government's preparedness will be announced next week."

In this context, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided to hold an emergency security meeting, the COBRA meeting, on Monday, March 2.

The UK government plans to push for emergency legislation next week to support public sectors such as schools and the National Health Service (NHS) if the COVID-19 outbreak worsens.

This is expected to include measures such as lifting class size limits if large-scale teacher shortages occur.

However, it is reported that full cancellations of sports events or concerts are unlikely to be included.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.