Health Secretary gives update on Wuhan Coronavirus

The Chinese city of Wuhan was the site of an outbreak of respiratory virus 2019-nCoV, otherwise known as coronavirus. The outbreak has now spread to more than 24 countries. There have been more than 17,000 cases of the virus confirmed, most of which are in China, and 361 deaths.

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

Matt Hancock MP: "public protection as the absolute top priority"

Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care  updated the House on the recently confirmed cases of two patients in England who tested positive for the Coronavirus.

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said:

"We will take a belt and braces approach that put's public protection as the absolute top priority for a virus that is increasingly spreading across the world."

Jonathan Ashworth MP: "slowing down the virus spread […] is absolutely crucial."

Responding on behalf of the Opposition, Jonathan Ashworth, Shadow Secretary of State for Health asked the Minister for an update on returning British Nationals from China.

The Shadow Secretary told MPs: 

"I welcome the Secretary of State's 20 million for vaccine research, but we have to recognise don't we, even if a vaccine is produced it is probably some months away, therefore slowing down the virus spread while that vaccine is developed is absolutely crucial."

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

Image: PA Images

Follow us!

Please fill in our quick feedback survey to help us improve our news content.