Neighbours raise coronavirus fears after paramedics in hazmat suits spotted on Sheffield street

Paramedics in white suits, commonly used to protect them from hazardous materials and infections, were seen in Abney Close, Heeley, when an ambulance pulled up at around 10.30pm.

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With coronavirus now in the UK, with two patients currently being treated at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield and a confirmed case in Buxton, residents have expressed concern about the possible spread of it.

Posting on Facebook, some concerned residents in Heeley said they would not be sending their children to school today.

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Others have called for calm and pointed out that there are a number of uses for hazmat suits.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been contacted for a statement.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to chair an emergency Cobra meeting on coronavirus today following a weekend which saw the number of people infected in the UK climb to 36.

He is expected to warn ministers that Covid-19 will present a ‘significant challenge’ to the country as he finalises a new battle plan by the Government.

Scotland declared its first case, while 12 new patients were diagnosed in England on Sunday, when the Health Secretary admitted it was ‘inevitable’ coronavirus would continue to spread.

Matt Hancock would not rule out following China's lead in shutting down cities if the Covid-19 outbreak escalates.

Mr Johnson, who has faced criticism for waiting until today to chair a meeting on the deadly virus, is due to lay out contingency plans which could include banning public gatherings.

“The number of coronavirus cases around the world is rising every day - and the UK is no exception,” he is set to tell the meeting.

“There now seems little doubt that it will present a significant challenge for our country.

“But we are well prepared, and the Government and the NHS will stop at nothing to fight this virus.”

It will be attended by senior ministers as well as chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, as they ratify the Government's proposed countermeasures.