Dozens of scientists at a British military research lab are working around the clock to develop a coronavirus vaccine.
Microbiologists at high-security Porton Down have been given the virus genetic code by the Chinese in the hope they can find a solution.
A vaccine for deadly Ebola was developed at the Wiltshire base, which is guarded by armed police.
It’s also where scientists confirmed nerve agent Novichok was used to poison ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury in 2018.
Porton Down is one of the few places in the country equipped to deal with ACDP (Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens) Hazard Group 4 agents – the most dangerous kind of viruses and bacteria.
A Ministry of Defence source said: “Staff have been working on a coronavirus vaccine for at least a week.
"Virtually all other research has stopped.
“This is truly a multi-national operation but it could take a month, possibly longer, before a viable vaccine can be grown in sufficient quantities.”
It is also understood several military camps have been earmarked as quarantine centres if the disease spreads across the UK.
One of those bases is Westdown Camp on Salisbury Plain which could house up to 600 people.
An MoD spokesperson said: “We are following the direction of Public Health England regarding the UK response.”
