Boots in Leeds Station limits hand sanitiser sales due to shortages amid Coronavirus fears

In signage on the shelf, customers are warned they can only purchase two products per person per day.

Boots told the Yorkshire Evening Post this was due to an increase in sales and to give as many people as possible the chance to access the sanitisers.

In a statement, Boots confirmed the shortage and limit on sales.

A spokesperson said: "We have seen an increase in sales of hand sanitisers but we still have stock available in our warehouses for stores and online.

"There is currently a limit of two hand sanitisers per customer to ensure as many people as possible have access to them."

Boots advice states: "The best way to help prevent catching a virus is by making sure that you regularly wash your hands with soap, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent transmission from surfaces, especially after blowing your nose, sneezing and coughing. Antiviral hand foams and gel can also be useful when you are out and about.

"All our pharmacists have the latest public health advice on coronavirus and can offer advice on the best way to stay healthy this winter.

"Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include:

"Regular hand washing with soap, especially after blowing the nose, sneezing and coughing.

"The NHS have published a guide to hand washing available here: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/

"Use of antiviral hand foam or gel in situations where hand washing facilities are unavailable.

"Covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Disposing of tissues swiftly once used – catch it, bin it, kill it.

"Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing or sneezing.

"Avoid touching the mouth, eyes and nose with unwashed hand."

EasyJet has said it will be cancelling flights as a result of the continued spread of coronavirus.

The budget airline said the move will particularly impact "those into and out of Italy", while it adapts its flying programme to best support demand.

EasyJet said the increase in Covid-19 cases in northern Italy has resulted in softer demand in the region, while flight demand has also slowed in other European markets as a result.

Wales' chief medical officer Dr Frank Atherton said: "I can confirm that one patient in Wales has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).

"All appropriate measures to provide care for the individual and to reduce the risk of transmission to others are being taken.

"I can also confirm that the patient had travelled back to Wales from Northern Italy, where the virus was contracted.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to assure the public that Wales and the whole of the UK is well prepared for these types of incidents. Working with our partners in Wales and the UK, we have implemented our planned response, with robust infection control measures in place to protect the health of the public."

Professor Chris Whitty said: "Two further patients in England have tested positive for Covid-19.

"The virus was passed on in Iran and the patients have been transferred to specialist NHS infection centres at the Royal Free Hospital.

"The total number of cases in England is now 17. Following confirmed cases in Northern Ireland and Wales, the total number of UK cases is 19."

Boris Johnson is to chair a meeting of the Government's Cobra contingencies committee on the coronavirus outbreak on Monday, Downing Street has said.

"The Prime Minister is keen to chair Cobra on Monday to ensure that everything that can be done is being done," a No 10 spokesman said.

The Prime Minister spent four hours visiting Kettering Hospital during the night shift on Thursday night, the spokesman said.

During his visit he spent time discussing preparations for dealing with the Covid-19 outbreak with senior clinicians.