A Chinese national is thought to have tested positive for the deadly virus on Wednesday afternoon in London, a Government source told The Sun. This is the ninth confirmed case in the UK. The details of the person have not been released at this time. 

The diagnosis was made this afternoon and comes as approximately 1,758 people have been tested for the virus in the UK.

While a new case has been reported, UK national Steve Walsh has now recovered and has been declared as having “no risk to the public”. 

It is thought Mr Walsh, 53, from Hove is linked to 11 other people who have also contracted the disease. 

Termed as a “super spreader” Mr Walsh contracted the disease while at a business conference in Singapore. 

He then travelled to France on his way back to the UK where it is thought he spread the disease. 

A further 12 schools have been placed on infection alert been issued in Brighton. 

Following the report of the spread of the virus, a prison in Oxfordshire tested two inmates for the contagion. 

It was later confirmed that one of the inmates, who had been moved from Thailand, tested positive for the virus. 

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In a Commons statement on the virus, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Tuesday: “Dealing with this disease is a marathon, not a sprint. The situation will get worse before it gets better.”

He also admitted the risk to the public “remains moderate” although all patients were receiving “expert care”. 

Mr Hancock also introduced new powers to force people thought to be infected, to remain in quarantine. 

He added: “The powers are proportionate and will help us slow down the transmission of the virus and make it easier for NHS and public health staff to do their jobs.

“Today I can announce to the House the immediate launch of a capital facility to support any urgent works the NHS needs for the coronavirus response such as the creation of further isolation areas and other necessary facilities.”

It comes with the virus already killing over 1,000 people and infecting over 40,000 people across the globe.

The death toll in China has hit 1,113 deaths while a further 25 countries have reported cases. 

Now named COVID-19, the World Health Organisation also warned this week that a vaccine may take 18 months to arrive. 

He said: “The development of vaccines and therapeutics is one important part of the research agenda.

“But it’s not only one part.

“They will take time to develop — but in the meantime, we are not defenceless.” 

He also labelled the disease a global threat and is “the worst enemy you can ever imagine”.