A person has been tested positive for coronavirus at a north London hospital.

Northwick Park Hospital confirmed their first confirmed case in a letter published by staff today (Thursday, March 5).

Patients and visitors have been reassured that doctors are ‘capable of dealing with the illness’.

The letter reads: “We are writing to let you know that here at Northwick Park we are currently treating patients with a respiratory illness known as novel coronavirus or COVID-19

“Northwick Park Hospital is one of a group of hospitals chosen to care for coronavirus patients. We have experienced doctors, nurses and other staff in the country capable of dealing with this illness.

“While this is a new coronavirus, our doctors have extensive experience of treating infectious diseases – many of which are treated without the level of public interest this has received.

“We also have appropriate facilities designed to provide the best care for patients who have the virus whilst keeping everyone else being treated at Northwick Park Hospital safe.

“If you have any questions about coronavirus or are worried about any aspect of your care please talk to the clinical staff caring for you”.

The first person in the UK to have died from coronavirus at Berkshire Royal hospital was also confirmed today, with 115 confirmed cases and 17,968 people tested negative.

The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public of coronavirus from low to moderate.

Health professionals are working to contact anyone who has been in close contact with people who have coronavirus.

A London Northwest University Healthcare NHS Trust spokesperson said: “The hospital continues to operate as normal and there has been no restriction on people coming into or leaving Northwick Park.