THE government has said the UK is still in "containment phase" but that it is highly likely coronavirus will spread in a "significant way."

Last night, the government confirmed that there were now 13 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the North-East and North Yorkshire, with one confirmed in Newcastle.

So far across the UK, 163 cases have been confirmed, with the highest number being recorded in London.

Across the North of England, local authorities in Liverpool, Manchester, Lancashire and Derbyshire have also said they are dealing with confirmed COVID-19 cases.

This afternoon, a spokesperson from No 10 confirmed the Prime Minister Boris Johnson had been updated on the outbreak, and said: "We are still in the containment phase.

"As the Chief Medical Officer said, it is now highly likely that the infection will spread in a significant way.

"Officials will therefore accelerate work on the delay phase of the Government's plan."

The current advice from Public Health England and the NHS, to stop reduce the spread of coronavirus, is to wash your hands with soap and water, often, for at least 20 seconds.

Wash your hands when you get home or into work, always use hand gel if soap and water is not available.

It also urges people to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.