Matt Hancock refuses to rule out cancelling London Marathon over coronavirus fears

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has refused to rule out cancelling the London Marathon in a bid to curtail the coronavirus outbreak.

Appearing ahead of a meeting of the Cabinet this morning, Mr Hancock set out to try and reassure the public , as well as providing advice and talking down fears surrounding Covid-19.

Speaking about the race, which is due to take place on Sunday April 26, Mr Hancock said it was “too early” to be making decisions.

When asked about the marathon, the Health Secretary told BBC Breakfast: “It’s far too early to be able to tell in that instance.

“What we can say for sure is that right now, we do not recommend the cancelling of mass events, and schools as well should not be closing unless there is both a positive case and the school has had the advice to close from Public Health England.

“So right now, as long as you wash your hands more often that is the number one thing you can do to keep you and the country safe.

“And capture a sneeze or a cough if you have one and then follow the public health advice if you’ve travelled from one of the affected areas.”

More than 90,000 people worldwide have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, and upwards of 3,000 deaths have been reported.

The UK has had 39 cases , and one Brit died after getting infected aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship off the coast of Japan.