Thursday March 5, 2020
Four illegal immigrants smuggled into the UK via Italy are being tested for coronavirus (stock image)Credit: Duncan McGlynn
FOUR illegal immigrants found in a lorry have been tested for coronavirus as 12 new cases were confirmed today taking the UK total to 51.
The Somali migrants — who were among 16 smuggled into Britain via Italy — began to feel unwell after cops discovered them in the back of the vehicle on an industrial estate.
A source said test results were pending following their discovery in Biggleswade, Beds, and they had been “isolated” in a block of council-owned flats in Bedford.
The remaining 12 were being dealt with by immigration officials.
Kempston police station, where all 16 were held, was closed for a deep clean.
Last night, Bedfordshire Police said the station at Kempston had been closed over the weekend for a deep clean and has since reopened.
A spokeswoman said: "We are working with Public Health England and Bedford Borough Council to manage four people who are currently in isolation following concerns they may have displayed signs of COVID-19.
"The four were among 16 people found in a lorry in an industrial estate in Biggleswade at approximately 3.10pm on Thursday last week.
"They remain in self-isolation while swab tests are completed as a precaution."
She went on: "All 16, who are believed to be illegal immigrants, were initially examined and deemed to be well, so they were taken into police custody.
"While in custody, four of the group began to display symptoms which could be attributed to COVID-19.
"The risk was deemed as low, however, all 16 people underwent a swab test as a precautionary measure.
"This included those who were not displaying any symptoms, which goes above and beyond the recommended response.
"The other 12 have been released from police custody and are now in the care of either Immigration Enforcement or Bedford Borough Council.
"As a precaution, the custody suite was temporarily closed for a deep clean and re-opened on Sunday morning.
"There is not believed to be any increased risk to anyone who came into contact with these people, and we would advise anyone with concerns to visit the Public Health England website."
Another group of illegal immigrants were discovered inside a container at King George Dock in Hull.
Police would not confirm if any were to be tested.
'WIDESPREAD TRANSMISSION'
Today's new cases were scattered across London, Merseyside, Gtr. Manchester, Humberside. Hants, Northants, and Kent.
They had returned variously to the UK from Italy, Germany, Singapore, Japan and Iran.
Doctors expect an explosion of cases next month, with a probable peak in May.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the UK was likely to see “widespread transmission”.
Chief Medical Officer Prof Chris Whitty said the NHS may need to “postpone anything that is postponable”.
A source said 50,000 non-urgent operations could be axed over two months.
Meanwhile, England rugby prop Mako Vunipola, 29, went into self-isolation as a precaution today and will not now face Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday.
Some Chelsea fans wore masks in tonight's FA Cup clash with Liverpool.