Recently-retired doctors and nurses could be asked to return to work in the NHS as part of the UK government’s “battle plan” if the coronavirus outbreak worsens.
As the number of confirmed cases in the UK rose to 23 yesterday, the government revealed its contingency proposals, which could see Britons being urged to work from home to prevent the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has admitted more cases are “likely” in the US after the country recoded its first death from the outbreak in the state of Washington.
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Matt Hancock says government still hopeful of containing virus
The UK’s health secretary has said the government is still hopeful of containing coronavirus as fears of a global pandemic grow.
Matt Hancock told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge: “The plan is very clear.
“Firstly, [it is] to contain this virus. That's the stage we're in now, we hope that we can succeed in doing that.”
Mr Hancock added that part of the long-term strategy for ensuring the containment of coronavirus was attempting to delay the outbreak’s “peak” until the summer, when warm weather could slow the spread of the virus.
The government is also putting £40m into finding a vaccine and improving treatment for patients who have the disease, the health secretary said.
First deaths reported in US, Australia and Thailand
A number of countries reported their first deaths from coronavirus yesterday as the outbreak continued to spread around the world.
In the US, a man in his 50s died in Washington state, despite officials saying he had no history of travel to an infected area or contact with someone infected with the virus.
Meanwhile, Thailand authorities said a 35-year-old male retail worker had died and Australia said a 78-year-old man who was on the Diamond Princess cruise ship had died in a hospital.
You can read more about the US death below:
New US coronavirus cases revealed after first death in United States
Washington governor declares state of emergency following death near SeattleUK government prepares ‘battle plan’ for coronavirus outbreak
Boris Johnson’s government has announced it is preparing emergency measures to respond to a potential epidemic of coronavirus in the UK as a public information blitz is set to be launched in the coming days.
If the virus spreads, emergency measures could be introduced, including the registration of recently-retired health professionals and the relaxation of rules around staff and pupil ratios in school.
The prime minister has admitted that coronavirus “may very well be challenging in the weeks and months ahead.”
Our political correspondent, Ashley Cowburn, has more details below:
Boris Johnson prepares emergency health measures as UK coronavirus cases rise
PM's response comes after critics urged him to 'get a grip' of the situationHello and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the coronavirus outbreak.
