NHS England have spoken out following reports they have declared coronavirus a 'level 4 incident'.
The number of people diagnosed with Covid-19 in the UK has risen to 51.
Twelve new cases were recorded in the UK as of 9am on Tuesday, officials said, i ncluding one in Wirral, two in Bury and another in Bolton.
The other cases were confirmed in London, Hampshire, Northamptonshire, Humberside and Kent.
Following this news, a number of reports stated the NHS had now declared a level four incident - which is the highest level of emergency.
According to PA, a letter sent to bosses today (March 3) from NHS strategic incident director Keith Willett said a level four incident had been declared - the highest category.
Hospital chiefs have been told to draw up plans to segregate wards such as A&E departments in the event of a "significant escalation" in cases.
And all adults and children in intensive care with any kind of respiratory infection must also now be tested for the virus.
But NHS has responded to reports of a level four incident being declared on Twitter.
From their media account, NHS England wrote: "Lots of enquiries #coronavirus tonight.
"Just to let you know that the NHS moved to a national incident response Level 4 to ramp up preparation for a potential #coronavirus outbreak in January."
