Coronavirus reaches the UK: Lion Yard shopping centre in Cambridge cancels Chinese New Year event

Lion Yard shopping centre in Cambridge has cancelled its Chinese New Year event after two cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the UK.

The centre was due to celebrate the Year of the Rat with an event and parade on Sunday February 2, for which it had teamed up with the Cambridge Chinese Federation and Cambridge Chinese Cultural School.

But centre manager Roger Allen said: “It is with regret that due to the recent outbreak of the coronavirus which has now escalated to the UK, we feel we are left with no choice but to cancel the Chinese New Year event, which was to be held on Sunday February 2.

“I’m sure everyone will agree that this is the right decision to take and our thoughts are with those that are affected by this terrible virus and the Chinese community as a whole.”

The chief medical officer for England has confirmed that two people from the same family have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK.

They had been staying in a Yorkshire hotel, and were taken overnight to a specialist centre in Newcastle.

In China, there have been more 10,000 cases, and at least 213 people have died from the virus, with a further 98 cases now reported across 18 countries.

Meanwhile, 83 Brits are returning today (Friday) from Wuhan, the Chinese city that was at the epicentre of the outbreak.

They will be in quarantine for two weeks.

Public Health England says typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia, causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

The virus can be more severe in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

Those developing symptoms are advised to call the NHS on 111 or call their GP for advice.

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