A newborn baby boy has become the youngest coronavirus patient in the world.
His mother was taken to hospital with suspected pneumonia and the results came out positive after delivery. The two are receiving treatment at separate hospitals.
The mother was transferred to a specialist infection hospital as her condition is understood to be worse than her child, who is being treated at North Middlesex Hospital.
According to The Sun, the newborn was tested as soon as he was born. Medics are trying to know how the baby contracted the virus, either during birth or through the womb.
“Staff in contact with both patients have been advised to self-isolate,” a source said. “Health officials are urgently trying to find out the circumstances behind their infections.”
Officials advised pregnant women and babies are at low risk from the killer virus and are likely to show mild symptoms.
This heartbreaking news comes as the number of cases in the UK soars by over 200 in one day to more than 800 with 11 deaths.
The chief medical officer of Scotland confirmed the latest patient had passed away. “I offer my deepest sympathy to their friends and family at this difficult time.”
The Welsh health minister also revealed at up to 20,000 people in Wales could die as he suspended non-urgent outpatient appointments and surgical procedures.
Now the epicenter of the coronavirus, Europe is recording more cases everyday than China did in early February, the WHO said.
One internet user commented: “I’m due my baby in 13 weeks. As terrifying as the current mood is, experts have said it will not peak for another 10 to 14 weeks. Trying not to stress about it but there are so many unknowns it’s difficult not to. Italy’s first case was detected on 21st of February, that was only 3 weeks ago , where will we be in 10 weeks?!”
Another wrote: “I sincerely hope they both pull through to live healthy, long lives.”
A third added: “I couldn’t help welling up when I read this- i’s cruel for anyone but a newborn baby…”
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