AKIPRESS.COM - Two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK, Public Health England says.

Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, said: "We can confirm that two patients in England, who are members of the same family, have tested positive for coronavirus.

"The patients are receiving specialist NHS care, and we are using tried and tested infection control procedures to prevent further spread of the virus."

He added: "The NHS is extremely well-prepared and used to managing infections and we are already working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients had, to prevent further spread.

"We have been preparing for UK cases of novel coronavirus and we have robust infection control measures in place to respond immediately.

"We are continuing to work closely with the World Health Organisation and the international community as the outbreak in China develops to ensure we are ready for all eventualities." 

It comes as a chartered flight carrying 83 Britons left Wuhan - the epicentre of the outbreak in Hubei province, China - on Friday morning (local time).