Risk of novel coronavirus low in UK as over 50 tests return negative

The United Kingdom Department of Health and Social Care says risk associated with novel coronavirus remains low in the country, where 52 people with symptoms have returned negative tests as of Sunday afternoon.

"There are currently no confirmed cases in the UK or of UK citizens abroad, and the risk to the public is low," the department said in a statement. "The government is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to work with the World Health Organization and international community."

If and when a first case in the UK is confirmed, it will be announced as soon as possible by the chief medical officer, the statement read.

The first confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Europe occurred on Friday in France, where three people tested positive.

The virus has killed 56 people and infected more than 2,000, according to Chinese health authorities. China has taken a number of measures to reduce the spread of the illness, including regulating long distance transport and movement in and out of certain affected cities.