TWO people from the same family have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK.

And it is believed they are receiving treatment at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

The government confirmed the news at 9.30am this morning.

It is understood the pair were holidaying in York and were taken to a specialist unit at the RVI in Newcastle when they fell ill.

But cases could be confirmed later as a flight from the epicentre of the outbreak, Wuhan is China, lands at RAF Brize Norton in West Oxfordshire.

The plane, carrying 83 British people and 27 foreign nationals, is due to arrive at 1.30pm.

The two cases of the virus are the first to be diagnosed in the UK.

In a statement chief medical officer for England, professor Chris Whitty said: "The patients are receiving specialist NHS care, and we are using tried and tested infection control procedures to prevent further spread of the virus.

"The NHS is extremely well-prepared and used to managing infections and we are already working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients had, to prevent further spread.

"We have been preparing for UK cases of novel coronavirus and we have robust infection control measures in place to respond immediately.

"We are continuing to work closely with the World Health Organisation and the international community as the outbreak in China develops to ensure we are ready for all eventualities."