Uber has refused to disclose how many customers a driver who transported a coronavirus patient to Lewisham hospital picked up before their account was suspended.

A Chinese woman who was later diagnosed with the illness took an Uber to the hospital earlier this month (February 9).

Uber confirmed the driver's account had been suspended on advice from Public Health England once the situation, which broke publicly the following Thursday (February 13), was made known to them.

Public Health England has said the driver was not considered "high risk", as they did not have "close sustained contact with the individual."

However, the ride-hailing company are yet to reveal how many other passengers may have had contact with the driver after the Lewisham journey, or when his account was suspended.

Uber's last statement on the matter, on February 13, said: "We received a request from Public Health England for information about a passenger who has now been confirmed as having coronavirus.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we temporarily suspended the account of the driver who transported the individual to hospital, and we remain in close contact with Public Health England.

"We have a dedicated online portal for public health authorities to contact Uber for information about riders and drivers, and we will take action on any user accounts on the recommendation of those authorities."

Dr Rachel Thorn Heathcock, consultant at Public Health England, said: "We are in contact with Uber to ensure the driver receives advice and information on what to do should they feel unwell in the coming days.

"As the journey was less than 15 minutes, the driver did not have close sustained contact with the individual and is not considered high risk."

Uber has not provided an update on the condition of the driver.

Lewisham hospital said the infected patient was taken to a "dedicated testing area" on arrival, and did not come into contact with other patients.

Two hospital staff remain in isolation at home after treating the woman.

The patient was confirmed as the ninth UK case last Wednesday, and she was taken to St Thomas' for treatment.

Health officials contacted more than 200 people who attended a conference in central London on Friday after it emerged one delegate had the illness.

As of Friday, a total of 2,964 people have been tested in the UK, of which 2,955 were confirmed negative and nine positive.