Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in UK rises by more than 400 in 24 hours

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK has increased by 407 to 1,950 in the last 24 hours - the largest increase in a single day.

More than 50,000 people have now been tested for Covid-19 in the UK. The latest update from the Department of Health reads: "As of 9am on 17 March 2020, 50,442 people have been tested in the UK, of which 48,492 were confirmed negative and 1,950 were confirmed as positive." The confirmed number of deaths reached 55 yesterday, but an updated death toll is expected to be announced this afternoon.

The government says it is currently prioritising testing for people who are most at risk, including those who are in hospital care for pneumonia or acute respiratory illness.