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Coronavirus pandemic
WorldEurope

Coronavirus cluster fears in UK Parliament as WHO declares pandemic

  • British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will chair another emergency meeting to combat outbreak
  • Comes after Britain unveiled its emergency economic response to the emerging health crisis

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An information board in central London giving the public information on steps to help the country cope with the coronavirus outbreak. Photo: AFP
Hilary Clarke

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has come under increasing pressure to drastically step up measures to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, amid fears there could be a cluster developing in the Houses of Parliament.

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Five MPs have already self-isolated after coming into close contact with Nadine Dorries, the junior health minister and former nurse who announced on Tuesday she had tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Johnson was to hold another emergency Cobra meeting Thursday in which he is expected to call for the self-isolation of people showing symptoms and ask the elderly to stay at home, according to the newspaper he used to work for, The Daily Telegraph.

But the prime minister faces increasing pressure to follow the lead of Denmark which this week announced it would close schools and prohibit large public gatherings to try and limit with spread.

Italy, the European country worst hit by Covid-19 with more than 10,000 cases and 827 deaths is now on total lockdown with all shops, bars and restaurants apart from those providing essential items like grocery stores and pharmacies.

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