The UK government has urged 1,500 people who have returned from Wuhan in recent weeks to “self-isolate” as ministers stepped-up moves to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

In an update to MPs about the outbreak, health secretary Matt Hancock said the risk to the UK population is “low” and the country is “well prepared and well equipped” to respond if required.

But Hancock said officials could not be 100% certain that the virus is not spread by people who are not displaying symptoms.

In new public health guidance, the secretary state said people returning from the Chinese city in the last 14 days should stay indoors and contact NHS 111 phone number. He added there were 1,460 people “we are seeking to locate”.

Hancock said: “Coronaviruses do not usually spread if people don’t have symptoms – but we cannot be 100% certain.

“From today, we are therefore asking anyone in the UK who has returned from Wuhan in the last 14 days to self-isolate. Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people – and to contact NHS 111.

“If you are in Northern Ireland, you should phone your GP.

“If you develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days of travel to the area, and are now in the UK, call your GP or ring 111 informing them of your symptoms and your recent travel to the city.

“Do not leave your home until you have been given advice by a clinician.”

Hancock said efforts are still going on to trace people who have arrived in the UK from Wuhan and the surrounding area, adding: “Having eliminated those who we know have since left the country, there are 1,460 people we are seeking to locate.

“The Foreign Office is rapidly advancing measures to bring UK nationals back from Hubei province.

“I have asked my officials to ensure there are appropriate measures in place upon arrival to look after them and protect the public.

“If you are in Hubei province and wish to leave, please get in contact with the Foreign Office.”

Ministers have said they are working to get Brits out of coronavirus-hit Hubei province in China, with prime minister Boris Johnson saying the government is doing “everything we can”.

Officials estimate that up to 200 UK citizens currently there will want to return to the UK.

More than 50 people have now been tested for coronavirus in the UK, although all tests have returned negative.

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