VIRAL SPREAD
NHS to write to 1.4million Brits to tell them to self-isolate on Monday – as coronavirus death toll hits 177
AROUND 1.4 million Brits are expected to be told to self-isolate on Monday due to coronavirus - as the death toll hits 177.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that those who are classed as vulnerable will be contacted with the specific actions they need to take.
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Experts say that older people and those with underlying health conditions are more susceptible to the deadly bug, which has infected at least 3,269 in the UK.
The Government is urging people to social distance - including steering clear of pubs and restaurants - in order to stop the spread of the bug.
But pictures have shown boozed-up Brits spilling out of clubs and bars in recent days.
Mr Hancock told Sky News: "The first thing we're going to do is set out exactly what conditions that applies to.
We expect about 1.4 million people to then get a communication from the NHS to say that they are part of this and what they need to do
Matt Hancock
"We expect about 1.4 million people to then get a communication from the NHS to say that they are part of this and what they need to do.
"Many of these people have pre-existing health conditions and so will be very worried right now, and I understand that, and they'll need very specific sets of action. For instance, how do you go about still getting your chemo if you have cancer whilst also social-distancing?
"If you have cancer it's particularly important to stay away from other people, but you also of course have got to keep going with your chemotherapy."
It comes as:
- Boris Johnson is set to unveil a wage boost and tax cuts for workers hit by crisis
- Cases of Covid-19 across the world hit 10,000
- A man became the first to be arrested in the UK for not self-isolating
- Alarming images emerged from an Italian hospital where patients are treated with bubble helmets
- China and other Asian countries are facing a second wave of deadly coronavirus
- New test will be made available to hundreds of thousands of people ASAP
- Brits STILL ignore calls to stay out of the pubs during the crisis
- Health secretary Matt Hancock warns of second coronavirus hotspot in the Midlands
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Mr Hancock added: "These are some of the most difficult and challenging cases so we'll be getting in contact with them, but if people think that they are on this list and don't receive a communication from the NHS, then they also need to get in contact.
"So that is under way, the money was announced for it yesterday. A combination of money to the NHS and money to councils because they've got a very big part to play in keeping people safe."
It comes as an army of 65,000 retired nurses and doctors have been told “Your NHS Needs You” in the battle against coronavirus.
Medical students and trainee nurses are also being invited to join the fight — while members of the public have been asked if they can help, too.
The Prime Minister said he expects the tide to be turned in the fight within 12 weeks, as he urged the public to follow social distancing advice and for businesses to "stand by your employees".
But he implied that this is only if the public heeds the social distancing guidance, saying: "I know it's tough, I know it's difficult... but please, please follow the advice."
Addressing the nation
Meanwhile, the Queen issued a message to the nation which said the UK is "entering a period of great concern and uncertainty", adding that "our nation's history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one".
The death toll in Italy rose to 3,405, overtaking the total number of deaths so far registered in China.
Back in the UK, the toll reached 145, with around four in 10 of all deaths so far in London.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS
A glimmer of good news came from Mr Johnson, who said British experts expect to start trials for a vaccine against the virus within a month, although expectations are that a vaccine will take at least a year.
He also said a "game-changer" antibody test was "coming down the track" which could identify whether somebody somebody had become immune to the disease so they could return to their daily life.
The PM also pledged to massively increase testing to up to 250,000 a day, which combined with collective action and scientific progress he said would save "many, many thousands of lives".
Patients gasp for air in plastic bubble helmets in Bergamo hospital as death rate soars
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