Many people across the country are naturally very concerned about the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Today, the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations have published the coronavirus action plan - this sets out how the Government will deal with this incident; the actions currently underway; and an action plan for dealing with this outbreak going forward. You can find a full copy of the Government’s plan here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-action-plan, however it is so important to note that everyone can do their bit today by using and binning tissues and properly washing their hands more often for 20 seconds each time.
Keeping the country safe is the government’s overriding priority, and the response to COVID-19 is guided by the best scientific advice, the international situation, the advice of organisations such as the WHO, data modelling based on the best available evidence and the recommendations of expert bodies across the UK. This morning, the Prime Minister held a press conference in Downing Street alongside the government’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Advisor Sir Patrick Vallance. You can find a full copy of his speech here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-statement-at-coronavirus-press-conference-3-march-2020.
Following the Prime Minister’s conference, the Secretary of State for Health and Social care made a Ministerial Statement in the House of Commons. This was followed by questions from MPs from across the House and you can find a copy of this statement, and the debate that followed, at: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2020-03-03/debates/4913849A-4E73-4B43-BFA3-16CD4A35BE66/Coronavirus.
