The coronavirus crisis has been worsening as cases rose to a staggering 164 as of last night. Next week, ministers are expected to announce that Britain has reached the point where all hope of preventing an epidemic has been lost.

Fears the coronavirus will spread to epidemic levels are at an all time high.

Concerns the outbreak may follow the pattern seen in other European countries is mounting after cases surged overnight.

The UK saw the greatest jump in cases within a single day so far with cases rising from 115 on Thursday to 164 on Friday.

There are currently two confirmed deaths linked to the virus in the UK.

Similar surges have been seen in Italy, which has has the highest number of infections in Europe, with 4,636 cases and 197 deaths.

Moreover, France currently has 613 confirmed cases of coronavirus and a death toll of nine.

Elderly people are at greater risk of contracting the disease, the mortality rate for the general population is thought to be between 1 and 2 per cent.

However, this rises to 8 per cent to those in their 70s, and to 15 per cent for over-80s.

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Elderly people with underlying conditions are at even greater risk.

As the UK moves into the “delay phase” efforts are set to focus on measures to be taken into the coming weeks in an attempt to slow the spread.

Policies are likely to focus first on protecting the elderly, as this group has a far higher morality rate.

Advice on protecting the elderly has already been issued, with experts warning that anyone visiting the elderly should be very careful about hygiene.

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The public has been advised to wash their hands and perhaps stay away if they have a cold.

However, avoiding all contact could do more harm than good according to experts.

It could mean they become isolated, exacerbating loneliness.

The World Health Organisation said anyone over the age of 60 or anyone who has existing health conditions should ‘try to avoid crowded areas’.

However, public Health England previously said this advice is overly cautious.

PHE said that until there is ‘evidence of sustained and widespread transmission within the community’, and the Government is keen for everyone to carry on their normal day-to-day routine.

Relatives shouldn’t feel obligated to stay away unless anyone has been specifically told to self-isolate.

Britain reported its second coronavirus related death yesterday afternoon.

A man in his 80s was said to have died in a Milton Keynes hospital.

This comes after a woman in her 70s became the first person to die in the UK on Thursday after treating positive for the deadly disease.

The Royal Berkshire NHS Trust said the patient was admitted and tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday.

Following the first death, a Number 10 spokesman said: “We are still in the containment phase. As the CMO said, it is now highly likely that the infection will spread in a significant way. Officials will therefore accelerate work on the delay phase of the Government’s plan.”

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