ROYAL Navy officials have insisted it remains ‘business as normal’ amid escalating concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

The crisis has already gripped the globe, with about 130,000 people infected and more than 4,700 fatalities.

The situation has also seen a major military exercise in the Arctic, involving the Royal Navy and other Nato forces, being scrapped by Norwegian officials amid health fears.

Asked if the Royal Navy had tightened its safety measures, an official from the Ministry of Defence told The News: ‘It's business as normal for us. We're following guidance from Public Health England.’

The navy added it would continue to monitor the situation as it developed.