Coronavirus claims first victim in UK

LONDON (AA) - The deadly coronavirus claimed its first British victim as a man died in a hospital in Berkshire, health officials said on Thursday.

The man had various health problems and been “in and out of hospital” but he was admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and tested positive with COVID-19, a statement from the hospital said.

“Sadly, we can confirm that an older patient with underlying health conditions has died. The patient was previously in and out of hospital for non-coronavirus reasons, but on this occasion was admitted and last night tested positive for coronavirus,” read the statement.

The death came on a day the number of coronavirus cases hit 115 in the U.K., more than double of the number two days ago.

Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, confirmed the death in a statement.

He said: “The patient, who was being treated at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, was an older patient who had underlying health conditions.

“We believe he contracted the virus in the U.K. and contact tracing is already underway.”