One patient with underlying health conditions has died after testing positive for coronavirus in England.
A statement from the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust said: “Sadly, we can confirm that an older patient with underlying health conditions has died.
“The patient has previously been in and out of hospital for non-coronavirus reasons, but on this occasion was admitted and last night tested positive for coronavirus.
“The family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
“We will not be commenting further and ask that everybody respects the family’s privacy.”
The Boris Johnson was updated on the coronavirus by the chief medical officer and the chief scientific adviser as he opened an official Cobra meeting.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We will continue to try to contain this virus. However it’s now highly likely that the virus is going to spread in a significant way.
“Officials will therefore accelerate work on preparations for the delay phase of the Government’s plan focusing on steps we can take to seek to delay the spread of the virus.
“This will include detailed work on the optimum time to introduce further measures.”