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Thousands of people across the world have been infected with coronavirus over the last few weeks, with the disease now making it's way to the UK.

The virus, also known as Covid-19, originated in Wuhan, China, and over 80 cases have been reported in the UK.

As coronavirus panic grows, people have been urged to wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap, avoid touching their face before washing hands and if you've recently travelled to an impacted area or come into contact with someone who has to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Some are also choosing to wear paper masks wherever they go, but the NHS does not tend to recommend it as they don't fit the face tightly enough to prevent infection, and they provide an environment for germs to thrive.

Perhaps because of this, there are a few people in the UK who have decided to go one step further than a face mask and are instead using plastic boxes and bags for life to cover their faces.

(Image: COPYRIGHT UNKNOWN)

Commuters were spotted on buses and trains in recent days with these items over their heads.

An unknown woman had placed a placed a plastic storage container over her head and secured it with a scarf tied through the handle.

Another person had put a Tesco carrier bag over their face while riding on the tube.

People on social media snapped photos of the two, sharing their shock at the sight and concern that they were putting themselves at risk of suffocation.

(Image: COPYRIGHT UNKNOWN)

One person said: "Someone on the District Line thinks a Tesco bag is going to prevent him getting Coronavirus."

Another commented: "But what about the person at the back with a Tesco bag on their head. If this isn't the most UK thing about the coronavirus I don't know what is."

A third simply asked: "Really London...?"

"Hope he doesn't suffocate himself, the remedy might be worse than the cure," added someone else.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are typically spread through the air, with infected people coughing or sneezing, or by close personal contact, such as shaking hands.

It's also possible to be infected by touching an object or surface with the virus on it, and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.

Early symptoms of the coronavirus include a fever, diarrhea, a dry cough, shortness of breath and general body aches.

Some patients have also reported confusion and fatigue.

In severe cases, coronavirus can cause a high fever, kidney failure and pneumonia.

The initial symptoms are similar to other respiratory illnesses - such as the flu or the common cold.

People of all ages can contract coronavirus, but once caught it's more dangerous for young children, the elderly, people with pre-existing health conditions, or people with weakened immune systems.

As coronavirus is a virus, there is no cure. Scientists have already begun working on a vaccine, but this will not become available for at least a year.