UK declares coronavirus 'imminent threat' to public health

Monday, 10 February 2020 11:49

The UK government on Monday declared coronavirus as a "serious and imminent threat" to the public health.

It gives the health ministry additional powers to fight the spread of the virus that has so far killed more than 900 people in China.

The health ministry has set up Arrowe Park Hospital and Kents Hill Park as "isolation" facilities for Britons evacuated from Wuhan.

Health secretary Matt Hancock also declared Wuhan and Hubei province as an "infected area".

So far, Britain has recorded four cases of coronavirus.

More from International

US, Iran at odds on nuclear inspections, frozen assets in deal to end war

US President Donald Trump has stated on Tuesday that Iran had agreed to nuclear inspections into "infinity," while Tehran said it had made no such concession in negotiations, raising questions about the viability of their fragile peace deal.
Oman establishes temporary shipping corridor through Strait of Hormuz

Oman has coordinated with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to establish a temporary maritime corridor for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to its local news agency.
Libya's eastern government bans entry of nationals from four African countries

Libya’s eastern-based government has banned the entry of nationals of four African countries on Tuesday, a decision a government source said was due to a "reorganisation of foreign nationals’ entry to Libya".
New Lebanon-Israel talks begin in shadow of US-Iran deal

Lebanon and Israel began a new round of talks on Tuesday in Washington, with Beirut determined to press ahead with direct negotiations even as they appear to be overshadowed by Iran's decision to make Lebanon part of its talks with the US.
EU hosts Taliban officials in Brussels for first time

A delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban met on Tuesday with EU officials in Brussels for the first time.