Coronavirus could spread around buildings via air conditioning systems or even on a draught, new analysis has suggested after scientists found traces of the virus in a hospital air duct.

The results from swab analysis of the rooms used by three coronavirus patients indicate that the disease may be more contagious than previously thought.

Even though the patient though to be responsible was suffering only "mild" symptoms, scientists from the National Centre for Infectious Diseases in Singapore found evidence of the virus in the hospital's air exhaust. This "suggests that small, virus-laden droplets may be displaced by airflows and deposited on equipment such as vents", they said.

It comes as the Government's chief scientific advisor, Sir Patrick Vallance, said officials were considering isolating entire households in a bid to control the outbreak after the second Covid-19 death in Britain.

Currently, officials are warning the cohabitees of people with symptoms to minimise contact as much as possible, but are not advising that they stay at home as well.