Government scientist says coronavirus has ‘a higher death rate than flu’

The UK’s chief scientific advisor to the government, Sir Patrick Vallance has said coronavirus has “a higher death rate than flu.”

He told Sky News coronavirus has now become an international “global epidemic” as cases have almost reached 100,000 worldwide.

Sir Patrick further warned on Friday the British government are “looking at” isolating entire households to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The government are now considering “more extreme” action as 30 new cases hit the UK within 24 hours. Coronavirus cases in the UK has now hit 116 with one death in England.

Britain’s first death from the deadly coronavirus was confirmed on Thursday afternoon. The man had tested positive on Wednesday evening and has now died as he had “underlying health conditions.”