China has stepped up its efforts to contain the coronavirus by locking down 17 cities with more than 50 million people, as the death toll rose to 80.
Some 52 people have been tested for the viral disease in the UK, with all tests returning negative, according to the Department of Health. Meanwhile, Britons remaining in Wuhan, the Chinese province at the centre of the outbreak, have been urged to leave the area if they are able to do so.
Priti Patel, the home secretary, has said the government was “looking at all options” to help Britons leave Wuhan following reports officials have been asked to examine the logistics for an airlift from the city.
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The death toll from the coronavirus has risen to 80 as China expanded efforts to contain the viral disease by extending the Lunar New Year holiday to keep the public at home.
A total of 17 cities with more than 50 million people have been placed on lockdown in the most far-reaching disease-control measures ever imposed.
