You will be aware of the evolving situation in China where, as of 23rd January 2020 it has been reported that around 571 people have been identified with respiratory infections caused by a novel coronavirus.
Most reported cases are at the mild end of the spectrum; with no confirmed cases in the UK.
The severity of the infections ranges from mild symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection (with or without fever) to fulminant pneumonia requiring hospitalisation and advanced respiratory support, and the disease has sadly proved fatal in 17 cases in China. The annual Chinese New Year celebrations are imminent (start 25 January 2020); this typically involves the mass movement of people both within and outside China and may amplify transmission.
At the current time, if the novel coronavirus is seen in the UK it is most likely to be in a traveller who has visited Wuhan City in China. To date, all cases detected outside China, currently 10, are in patients who have recently travelled to Wuhan.