British press have confirmed that a newborn baby was diagnosed with coronavirus minutes after being born.

The baby's mother had been tested prior to giving birth, though the positive result only came through after the baby had been born. It was subsequently tested minutes after being born, and found to also carry the virus.

It is however unknown whether the baby contracted the virus in the womb or was infected during birth.

North Middlesex University Hospital has since issued a statement, saying:
“Two patients at North Middlesex University hospital have tested positive for coronavirus. One has been transferred to a specialist centre and one is being treated in an isolation room.

The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority, so in following guidance from Public Health England, we are regularly deep cleaning the areas where the patients are cared for and staff who were in close contact with these patients were advised to self-isolate.”

England's chief medical officer has advised pregnant women not to worry about the coronavirus.