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The military could be brought in and up to a fifth of the UK’s workforce could be in quarantine during a UK coronavirus epidemic, the Government has announced.

It comes after the number of confirmed cases in the UK rose from 39 to 51 today.

The Government has outlined its plans in the event of Covid-19 becoming widespread across the country.

In a statement, it said that police may need to focus on only the most serious crimes and maintaining public order if the virus spreads and that the military could also provide support to emergency services if needed.

A woman wears a protective face mask as fears over coronavirus grow.. (Photo: Getty Images)

The government's response is in its first stage - containing the outbreak – but It is "highly likely" the UK will see further infection than at present, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned.

Non-urgent hospital care may be delayed to focus on treating those who are infected, while recently retired doctors and nurses may be called back to work.

It is predicted one fifth of workers could be infected if the virus reaches a peak.

Military could be called in as number of UK coronavirus cases rises to 51, Government says