The first UK cases of the SARS-like novel coronavirus have been confirmed in Newcastle, just 90 minutes from Edinburgh.
Two people - said to be members of the same family - tested positive for the deadly virus and are now being treated in a high consequence infectious disease unit in Newcastle, said Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England.
The news comes just hours after the outbreak of the new coronavirus was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation.
On the 23 January, there were reports that the deadly virus may have hit Edinburgh after some were tested for the coronavirus, however
It is believed the new strain of coronavirus was passed to humans at a market in Wuhan that sold live animals and illegal wildlife.
It can spread from person to person via droplets when an infected person breathes out, coughs or sneezes, with an incubation period of one to 14 days.
There are signs it may also be able to spread before symptoms show.
Symptoms include fever, coughing, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
Severe cases can cause pneumonia and kidney failure.
An outbreak investigation team has been formed to trace anyone who has been in contact with the Newcastle pair to prevent the illness spreading.
Professor 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.”
There have been a number of coronavirus scares in the UK this week as health experts warned it was only a matter of time before the first case - or cases - was confirmed.
On Wednesday night, a waiting area at New Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, was evacuated amid coronavirus fears for two patients, a witness said.
Both patients spent two hours waiting alongside others.
A witness said a nurse told people in the waiting area "we suspect it's coronavirus".
It was unclear whether those two patients tested positive for the virus.
In York, an ambulance crew in protective gear collected a man, understood to be a Chinese national, from an apartment-hotel on Wednesday evening after he fell ill.
The man, who was a guest at the Staycity Hotel in the centre of York, was taken to hospital, together with family members, and the apartment-hotel was locked down.
A number of social media users have posted photos or video clips of people being escorted by medics wearing full-body protective suits.
WHO has urged countries to keep their borders open and trade flowing amid the outbreak.
