Coronavirus: How many cases are there in your area?

A total of 1,140 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK, with the country now ramping up measures as part of the second stage of the government’s phased plan to tackle the outbreak.

Some 37,746 people in the UK have been tested for the respiratory infection so far. Twenty one people who tested positive have died.

Find out how many people have confirmed cases in your area:

A modern browser with JavaScript and a stable internet connection is required to view this interactive.

How many confirmed cases are in your area?

Enter a postcode, English council or Scottish NHS area to find out. Wales and Northern Ireland are not currently providing localised figures

If you can’t see the look-up click here.

The following maps, charts and graphics will help you understand the situation in the UK and how the authorities are dealing with it.

1. The number of UK cases is growing

The new coronavirus, which causes the respiratory disease known as Covid-19, was first confirmed in the UK at the end of January.

While there were a number of people testing positive throughout February, figures in the UK began to increase significantly at the beginning of March.

Since then, cases have been reported across the UK, with 342 new cases announced on Saturday.

Most of the confirmed cases are in England – which has 925 – but there are also 121 in Scotland, 60 in Wales and 34 in Northern Ireland.

While London has 313 confirmed cases, Hampshire is the English local authority with the highest number so far, at 41.

Confirmed case numbers for the UK are lower than other European countries, such as Italy, for example, where there have been more than 21,000 cases and more than 1,400 deaths, according to 15 March figures from the World Health Organization.

However, the government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has said there are probably between 5,000 and 10,000 people infected in the UK at this time.

He also said that many people will no longer be tested if they are showing mild symptoms. Only those with the most serious symptoms will be given a test in hospital.

England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said the peak of the UK outbreak is most likely still 10 to 14 weeks away.

Globally, authorities have confirmed more than 140,000 cases of the coronavirus and more than 5,000 deaths.

More than half the cases – about 80,000 – are in China, where the virus originated in December.

• EASY STEPS: How to keep safe
• A SIMPLE GUIDE: What are the symptoms?
• GETTING READY: How prepared is the UK?
• TRAVEL PLANS: What are your rights?

2. We are in the second phase of the government’s response

The government has published its action plan for dealing with the virus, which involves three phases – contain; delay; mitigate – alongside ongoing research.

While the emphasis has been on the contain and research phases up until this week, the country has now moved to the “delay” phase to stop the wider spread of the virus.

As part of the delay phase, people with even mild coronavirus symptoms – defined as a temperature above 37.8 C or a “new, continuous” cough – are being asked to self-isolate at home for seven days to protect others and help slow the spread of the disease.

Schools are also being advised to cancel trips abroad and people over 70 and those with pre-existing health conditions are being told not to go on cruises.

The delay phase could also mean further “social distancing” measures at a later date, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled out closing schools at this stage.

Action to isolate the over-70s for an extended period to shield them from coronavirus is planned in the coming weeks, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed.

Government sources have also said mass gatherings might soon be banned to ease pressure on emergency services.

If the virus becomes even more widespread, the government may then decide to enter the third phase of mitigation, when health services are asked to focus on critical care and retired NHS staff could be asked to return to work.

3. People who think they have coronavirus should self-isolate

If you have a “new, continuous” cough or high temperature and think you have coronavirus you are advised not to go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Instead, you should self isolate for seven days.

If symptoms persist beyond seven days or if you get worse you should contact the NHS’s dedicated 111 online coronavirus service if you are in England.

In Scotland, you should call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours. In Wales call 111 (if available in your area) or 0845 46 47. In Northern Ireland call 111.

Testing will now only focus on identifying people with the virus in hospital.