Coronavirus: UK cases rise to 456 after biggest single-day increase

Shaun Lintern
Health Correspondent
Wednesday 11 March 2020 15:05 GMT
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NHS England ramps up Coronavirus testing

The number of coronavirus cases in the UK has increased by 74 to 456, the government has announced,

So far the Department of Health and Social Care said a total of 27,476 people had been tested for the virus.

Six patients have died so far, all were elderly with underlying health conditions.

The Chancellor has promised the NHS "whatever it needs" in terms of funding to tackle the spread of coronavirus, as the number of UK cases more than doubled in just four days.

Rishi Sunak set out plans for the health service in his Budget and pledged security and support for those who are sick and unable to work due to the spread of Covid-19.

Mr Sunak said: "Whatever extra resources our NHS needs to cope with coronavirus it will get...Whether it's millions of pounds or billions of pounds, whatever it needs, whatever it costs, we stand behind our NHS."

He offered support to any workers who become too ill to work, with new measures including the ability to obtain a sick note by contacting 111 rather than having to visit a GP.

And he said those working in the gig economy or who are self-employed will get quicker and easier access to benefits.

Mr Sunak said he was setting aside a £5 billion emergency response fund to support the NHS and other public services, adding that he "will go further if necessary".

The government has said there are no plans to test any ministers, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, for Covid-19 after health minister Nadine Dorries tested positive for the virus.

Public Health England said it had assessed the risk of Ms Dorries' individual close contacts and only those with symptoms need to self-isolate.

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