Coronavirus conspiracy theories 'could increase number of UK cases'

A coronavirus expert has warned the spread of conspiracy theories and misinformation could lead to more cases in the UK, as the death toll in China hits 1,380 with more than 63,000 people infected.

Professor Paul Hunter, of the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) Norwich Medical School, has claimed that fake news leads to bad advice and people taking ‘greater risks’ during health crises.

It comes as chief executive of the NHS Sir Simon Stevens claims many more people in Britain may need to self-isolate in order to contain the illness, amid fears that it could spread like wildfire on the London tube.

Speculation about the origin of the virus and how it can be passed on is rife on social media, which could lead to a ‘change in human behaviour’, says Professor Hunter, who has run tests before on the impact of fake news on disease outbreaks with colleague Julii Brainard.

He said: ‘Misinformation means that bad advice can circulate very quickly – and it can change human behaviour to take greater risks.’

The expert added that examples of ‘risky behaviour during infectious disease outbreaks’ include not washing hands, sharing food with ill people, not disinfecting potentially contaminated surfaces, and failing to self-isolate.

He said: ‘Worryingly, people are more likely to share bad advice on social media, than good advice from trusted sources such as the NHS, Public Health England or the World Health Organisation.’

Speaking of the 83 Britons who left Arrowe Park Hospital on Thursday after two weeks in quarantine, NHS boss Sir Simon claimed they had set a shining example for the rest of the country by being ‘highly responsible, pragmatic and stoical’.

He stated: ‘They have set an important example, recognising that over the coming weeks many more of us may need to self-isolate at home for a period to reduce this virus’s spread.’

Earlier on Thursday, England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said officials were working on delaying the spread of coronavirus cases throughout the UK.

He added that the deadly virus could go one of two ways, with the first scenario seeing the Chinese government getting on top of the epidemic leading to a limited impact on the rest of the world.

The Department of Health said yesterday that 2,521 people in the UK have been tested, with 2,512 confirmed to be negative and nine positive.

This morning, it emerged that 250 people had been sent an email cautioning that they may have come into contact with a coronavirus patient at a London conference.

The patient attended the UK Bus Summit at the QEII centre on February 6, along with high profile names including bus minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton.

Two staff from Lewisham hospital in south London are now in isolation at home after coming into contact with a woman who tested positive for the virus after going to Lewisham Hospital in an Uber.

Fears over the virus’ spread in the capital city seemingly intensified on Thursday as 763 people were tested for it in a single day.

A further 44 people aboard the Diamond Princess tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases to 218 and making it the largest outbreak outside mainland China.

The new cases come as a doctor warns that coronavirus could potentially spread through air conditioning.

Japan confirmed its first death from the virus on Thursday, spurring a vow from officials in the country to step up testing and containment efforts.