Sign up to FREE email alerts from MyLondon - MyWestLondon News Subscribe Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Coronavirus continues to grip China, particularly in Wuhan where the Chinese government's main efforts containing the disease has focused.

On Monday (February 17) the National Health Commission of China reported an increase in new day-to-day cases in the country.

On Saturday (February 15) there were 2,009 new cases and on Sunday (February 16) there were 2,048 new cases - Sunday also saw 105 deaths.

Flights from China continue to arrive at both Gatwick and Heathrow Airport, leading to members of the public to question why planes from there continue to land and why they have not stopped?

Although Gatwick only has a few flights landing from China each month, just today Heathrow will see a number of flights landing from Shanghai and Beijing on a range of airline carriers.

Both Gatwick and Heathrow are following the latest advice from Public Health England (PHE) in assessing the risk of incoming flights and will respond if the advice from PHE changes.

In a statement from Gatwick Airport, a spokesperson said: "Gatwick is following the advice of Public Health England in full and – like other UK airports - has an advanced monitoring process is in place for direct flights from China to Gatwick.

"The latest advice from Public Health England for passengers is also displayed throughout the terminals.

“The airport remains in regular contact with the relevant authorities to ensure that all the appropriate processes are in place and we will continue to follow their advice on this matter in full.”

Public Health England advises anyone who has returned to the UK from selected countries (China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Macau) in the last 14 days and develop symptoms of cough or fever or shortness of breath, should stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu.

They should also call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the country.

On its website Heathrow Airport said: "Public Health England has increased the risk assessment for Coronavirus to the public from “low” to “moderate” following the recent declaration from World Health Organisation.

"Enhanced monitoring will still be in place for all direct flights from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, and the Republic of Korea, to the UK due to the outbreak.

"This includes the provision of advice leaflets and information in our immigration halls.

"We are working closely with all relevant authorities and will continue to follow the latest advice from Public Health England."