WORCESTER'S MP has stressed it as business as usual, but says the government are prepared if Coronavirus becomes a pandemic.

Yesterday the government published its battle plan as the number of UK cases was confirmed to have risen from 39 to 51.

Up to a fifth of the workforce may be off sick during the peak of a coronavirus epidemic in the UK, the government has said, with worst case scenario modelling suggesting 80 per cent of people could become infected.

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Although there have been no confirmed cases in Worcestershire yet, city MP Robin Walker said he had met with bosses at Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust, and attended COBRA meetings.

"People are paying it a lot more attention in recent days," Mr Walker said.

"There has been a lot of work and preparation the government has done. You have to make sure the public services are prepared, that information is given to the public in a timely manner.

"There is a balance for the government to be struck though.

"We are still in containment stage. Whilst it it is concerning, the mortality is low, and at the moment is not Ebola or SARS that had a high mortality rate.

"People should follow the guidance, wash their hands, and if they become symptomatic the best approach remains not to go to hospital but call NHS 111, and to self isolate."

Mr Walker said we had not reached a stage where plans such as school closures or reducing large-scale gatherings, such as sporting events, come into effect - but warned they could not be ruled out at some point, especially as it was a "dynamic situation" with any decision made on scientific advice.

The MP added although people might travel abroad less in the coming weeks, this would at least give a welcome boost to county tourist destinations.