York hotel confirms first UK coronavirus victims were guests

The first UK case of the deadly coronavirus that has killed over 200 people originated in York, it has been confirmed.

Staycity Apart Hotel said two of its guests were diagnosed with the pneumonia-like disease yesterday.

Suspicions were raised last night when the building was put on lock-down and local media reported that a man, believed to be a Chinese national, was rushed to hospital.

A hotel spokesman said: ‘As of 4pm today we have now received confirmation that the two guests staying in one of our apartments in York have been tested positive for the Coronavirus. 

‘We have been advised by Public Health England that there is minimal on-going risk of infection to either guests or staff and as such our York property remains open for business.

‘In due course the apartment concerned will undergo a thorough environmental clean and disinfection by a specialist contractor.

‘We would like to reassure all our guests that we are following official advice on this matter that the health and safety of everyone working and staying in our properties remain of paramount importance to us.’

The patients, who are members of the same family, were staying at the York hotel when they were struck down with the virus.

It is understood that they travelled to the UK from China recently and are undergoing treatment at the Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Professor Sharon Peacock, director of the National Infection Service at PHE, said: ‘Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with the confirmed cases.

‘The two cases were staying in York when they became unwell. Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed cases.

‘This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.’

Earlier, Professor Peacock said that while staff are working to trace people who have been in contact with the pair, they do not currently have ‘any idea’ of how high that number might be.

News of the UK’s first outbreak comes after more than 80 British people on an evacuation flight from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak, landed back in the UK.

The UK passengers are being taken to Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral for a quarantine period of 14 days, where they will be housed in an NHS staff accommodation block with access to the internet.

Ministers said the Government will send another plane to coronavirus-hit Wuhan to rescue British citizens if needed.