Two British Airways baggage handlers at Heathrow test positive for the killer coronavirus

Two British Airways baggage handlers have tested positive for the killer coronavirus as the number of patients diagnosed in the UK today dramatically jumped to 163.

It came as a man in his 80s suffering with underlying health conditions was feared to have become Britain's second coronavirus death. A woman in her 70s, who also had long-term health troubles, died yesterday.

The number of people diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK has now tripled in the space of three days, with just 51 cases confirmed on Tuesday. Forty-seven cases were announced today – the UK's largest daily toll.

Fears may now be raised that the BA baggage handlers could have passed the virus onto passengers' luggage, as the virus is known to survive on plastic surfaces for up to three days. 
 

Anxious Britons have resorted to wearing gas masks and blankets on public transport in desperate attempts to protect themselves as the coronavirus continues its rampant spread across the UK.

Meanwhile, supermarkets up and down the country have again been left bare amid rushes to stockpile household goods such as hand soap, nappies and dried foods like pasta and rice.

In hope of quashing fears of millions, the government has urged Britons not to bulk buy products and the Health Secretary Matt Hancock vowed that supermarkets would not run out of food.

And Prime Minister Boris Johnson today pledged an extra £46million to rush through a coronavirus vaccine, after Number 10's top scientist admitted a jab won't be ready in time to tackle the UK's impending crisis. 





MailOnline