Coronavirus outbreak: Patient in Wolverhampton becomes fourth Briton to die
A patient in Wolverhampton has become the fourth person in the UK to die from Coronavirus.
The individual in their 70s was being treated at the Royal Wolverhampton Hospital and had underlying health conditions.
In a statement, England's chief medical officer confirmed the patient contracted the virus in the UK and that efforts were underway to find anyone who may have come into contact with him/her.
At least 28 people in the region have been diagnosed with the virus, with the latest cases confirmed in Dudley, where the patient is being treated at Russells Hall hospital, and two cases in Wolverhampton.
Cases have also been confirmed in Herefordshire and Leicestershire.
The government is today considering whether the UK should officially move from "contain" to the "delay" phase of the battle to deal with the outbreak.
The move could involve banning big events, closing schools and encouraging people to work from home.
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Many supermarkets in the Midlands have reported running out of items such as hand sanitiser gel and toilet roll after fears about the virus led to some shoppers panic-buying.
Some businesses have placed restrictions on items including pasta, anti-bacterial wipes and hand soap to try to prevent shoppers from stockpiling.
The Government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance saidthere is "absolutely no reason" for the British public to buy more than they usually would.
A primary school in Tamworth is closed today (9th March) after a staff member there tested positive for Coronavirus.
St Gabriel’s Primary School will be deep cleaned, despite the risk of picking up the virus being very low.
Staffordshire County Council says the staff member hasn't been at the school in 10 days, but was diagnosed with the virus at the weekend.
Sports clubs and events have also been impacted by the spread of the virus.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are due to play their game against Greek side Olympiacos behind closed doors after the government there declared a ban on spectators at sporting events.
Nevertheless, some fans say they will still be traveling to Athens, even if they won't be able to enter the stadium.
In the UK, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden says it is still "premature" to consider a similar ban, but says reviews are still ongoing.