How people are tested for coronavirus after first confirmed Covid-19 case in Sheffield

As of last night, there were 460 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, with one in Sheffield.

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The latest total is due to be released at 2pm today.

Public Health England said when a clinician suspects coronavirus, they take samples from the nose, throat and deeper respiratory tract of the patient and send them off for laboratory testing.

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Scientists can look for evidence of the presence of any type of coronavirus and then hone in on specific genetic clues that identify the one associated with this outbreak.

PHE’s diagnostic test for coronavirus is being rolled out to 12 laboratories across the UK to accelerate the country’s testing capabilities, increasing testing capacity to more than 1,000 people a day for England.

One nose and throat swabs are taken the samples are transported to a labs and it takes 24-48 hours for testing to be done.

Once the result is available, it is sent back to GPs to deliver the result.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to move to the delay phase of tackling the UK spread of Covid-19 as Ireland announced the closure of schools and tourist attractions.

Irish premier Leo Varadkar said schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close until March 29, which is now regarded as a global pandemic.

Museums, galleries and other tourist destinations will also close as a result of the action.