Coronavirus has arrived at the UK after two English patients have contracted the virus.
The Department of Health's Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Chris Whitty confirmed the news this morning.
This comes after 80 people are due to land from China today where thousands of people have contracted the virus.
Yesterday, the World Health Organisation declared it a "global emergency" after more than 200 people have died from the virus.
It is believe there are almost 10,000 cases across the world.
This means that medical officers in the UK have increased the risk level of the disease from low to moderate.
The two people are both members of the same family. It is unknown which area the family is from.
In a statement, Professor Chris Whitty, said: "We can confirm that two patients in England, who are members of the same family, have tested positive for coronavirus. The patients are receiving specialist NHS care, and we are using tried and tested infection control procedures to prevent further spread of the virus.
"The NHS is extremely well-prepared and used to managing infections and we are already working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients had, to prevent further spread.
"We have been preparing for UK cases of novel coronavirus and we have robust infection control measures in place to respond immediately. We are continuing to work closely with the World Health Organization and the international community as the outbreak in China develops to ensure we are ready for all eventualities."
