The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK rose to 85 on Wednesday in the biggest daily jump since it was first detected in the country, health ministry figures showed on Wednesday.
"As of 9 am this morning 32 further patients in England have tested positive for COVID-19," said Professor Chris Whitty, Cheif Medical Officer for England.
The number of confirmed cases was 51 on Tuesday.
"Three additional patients contracted the virus in the UK and it is not yet clear whether they contracted it directly or indirectly from an individual who had recently returned from abroad. This is being investigated and contact tracing has begun," Whitty said.
"The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 80. Following previously reported confirmed cases in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, the total number of UK cases is 85."
(With Reuters inputs)
