Hundreds of staff were sent home after an office at London’s Canary Wharf was locked down over coronavirus fears.

American oil firm Chevron advised its 300-strong work force to work remotely after an employee reported flu symptoms on their return from a country infected by the deadly bug.

They were sent for testing and the company told staff not to return to work until the results are known.

In a statement, a company spokesperson said: ‘Chevron continues to monitor the situation very closely, utilizing the guidance of international and local health authorities. Our primary concern is the health and safety of our employees and we are taking precautionary measures to reduce their risk of exposure.’

The news comes as Public Health England warned thousands of patients reporting flu-like symptoms will be screened for the infection in an effort to ward off a similar surge in cases to that seen in Italy where cases jumped almost 50 per cent in 24 hours to 322 and deaths rose to 11.

According to reports seen by The Sun, the government’s ‘worst-case’ plans predict 80 per cent of Brits could become infected, of which two per cent – 500,000 people – could die.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said official advice has been changed to say people who have been to anywhere in Italy north of Pisa should self-isolate if they develop flu-like symptoms on their return to the UK.

Two schools have closed in the UK, with a dozen more sending staff and pupils into self-isolation.

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