Statement on Coronavirus

The Chinese city of Wuhan was the site of an outbreak of respiratory virus Covid-19. The virus has rapidly increased in parts of Asia, Europe and the Middle East in recent days, with the death toll rising in Iran, and infections in South Korea passing 1,200. The virus has now reached dozens of countries with Austria, Croatia and Switzerland the latest to declare cases.

This update comes after an initial statement from the Health Secretary on the virus on 23 January 2020.

Matt Hancock MP: "contain, delay, research and mitigate"

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, told MPs that "as of this morning 7,132 people in the UK have been tested for the virus. So far thirteen people in the UK have tested positive, of whom eight now have been discharged from hospital." The Secretary of State said that more cases are expected.

Matt Hancock MP, continued:

"We have a clear four part plan to respond to the outbreak of this disease: contain, delay, research and mitigate. We're taking all necessary measures to minimise the risk to the public. We've put in place enhanced monitoring measures at UK airports and health information is available at all international airports, ports and international train stations."

The Secretary of State added that a supported isolation facility has been established at Heathrow to cater for international passengers who are tested and to maximise infection control and free up NHS resources.

Jonathan Ashworth MP: "significant spread of the virus across the European continent"

Responding on behalf of the Opposition, Jonathan Ashworth MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health, said that "The World Health Organisation have warned that countries are "simply not ready" for a pandemic and there has now been significant spread of the virus across the European continent."

The Shadow Secretary told MPs:

"We do have several schools in England and Northern Ireland shut completely at the moment for a deep clean after students and teachers have returned from skiing trips […] is he expecting any advice to be sent to schools from the Department for Education? And if schools have to start shutting, is the Government looking at putting in place arrangements for alternative schooling provision for those affected?."

• Watch Parliament TV: Statement on Coronavirus
• Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber are available in Hansard online three hours after they happen.

Image: PA

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