Coronavirus news – live: Britons warned to 'self-isolate' after returning from Wuhan as death toll rises to 81 and medical chief says virus has likely already arrived in UK

China has stepped up its efforts to contain the coronavirus by locking down 17 cities with more than 50 million people, as the death toll rose to 81.

Some 52 people have been tested for the viral disease in the UK, with all tests returning negative, according to the Department of Health. Meanwhile, Britons remaining in Wuhan, the Chinese province at the centre of the outbreak, have been urged to leave the area if they are able to do so.

Priti Patel, the home secretary, has said the government was “looking at all options” to help Britons leave Wuhan following reports officials have been asked to examine the logistics for an airlift from the city.

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