Three coronavirus cases confirmed in the north west

"Eight patients had recently travelled from Italy, one from Germany, one from Singapore, one from Japan and one from Iran. The patients are from London, Hampshire, Northamptonshire, Bury, Wirral, Greater Manchester, Humberside and Kent. All are being investigated and contact tracing has begun.

"The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 48*. Following previously reported confirmed cases in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, the total number of UK cases is 51."

Dr Will Welfare of Public Health England North West said in a written statement: "Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with three cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Greater Manchester. Two of the cases are residents of Bury.

"As a result of contact tracing we know the new Bury cases announced today are known contacts of the previously confirmed case from Bury.

"The third case is a resident of Bolton which is not linked to the two cases in Bury announced today. The Bolton resident became infected whilst in Italy.

"Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed cases. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public."