The new form of coronavirus, known as Covid-19, originated in a seafood market in Wuhan, China at the end of last year. Since then 75,282 cases of the virus have been confirmed worldwide.

Of this figure, 74,188 infection cases have been reported in China.

The death toll has risen to 2,012 as of February 19, with the majority of these deaths occurring in Hubei province, where Wuhan is situated.

In order to control the spread of the virus, inspectors have been knocking on doors in the city to find people who may be displaying symptoms.

While the majority of fatalities have been recorded in China, deaths linked to coronavirus have been recorded in other countries.

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Two people have died in Hong Kong, while one person has died in Japan, Taiwan, France and the Philippines respectively.

A US citizen has also died in China.

Near Japan, hundreds of passengers who tested negative for the virus are beginning to be released from quarantine on board a cruise ship.

The Diamond Princess was stationed in the port of Yokohama, and at least 542 passengers have been infected with the virus.

A British couple also confirmed they had tested positive for the virus on Wednesday.

The Government is hopeful to bring back the 74 British nationals on board the ship “later this week”.

In the UK, nine cases of coronavirus have been confirmed to date, with all but one of the people being treated now discharged from hospital.

Public Health England (PHE) have maintained the risk of coronavirus to the public as moderate.

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However, PHE say “the risk to individuals remains low”.

The UK’s decision to raise its risk level from low to moderate was prompted by the actions of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The speed the virus appeared to be spreading earlier this year alarmed health authorities worldwide.

So much so, the virus’ spread prompted the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency in January.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference: “The main reason for this declaration is not because of what is happening in China, but because of what is happening in other countries.

“Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems and which are ill-prepared to deal with it.

“Let me be clear, this declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China.

“On the contrary, WHO continues to have confidence in China’s capacity to control the outbreak.”

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