Mr Speaker, with your permission, I’d like to update the
House on COVID-19 coronavirus.
As of this morning, 7,132 people in the UK have been tested
for the virus.
So far 13 people in the UK have tested positive, of whom 8
now have been discharged from hospital.
We expect more cases here.
As planned, 115 people left supported isolation at Kents
Hill Park in Milton Keynes on 23 February. All tested
negative for COVID-19.
On Saturday, 32 people from the Diamond Princess cruise
ship were repatriated and taken to Arrowe Park, where they
will remain in supported isolation.
And 4 of those have tested positive and been transferred to
specialist centres.
British tourists are currently being quarantined in a hotel
in Tenerife and the Foreign Office is in contact with them.
Mr Speaker, we have a clear, 4-part plan to respond to the
outbreak of this disease:
Contain. Delay. Research and Mitigate.
We are taking all necessary measures to minimise the risk
to the public.
We have put in place enhanced monitoring measures at UK
airports, and health information is available at all
international airports, ports and international train
stations.
We have established a supported isolation facility at
Heathrow, to cater for international passengers who are
tested, and to maximise infection control and free up NHS
resources.
The NHS is testing a very large number of people who travel
back from affected countries, the vast majority of whom
test negative.
In the past few days we have published guidance for
schools, for employers, for first responders, for social
care and the travel industry on how to handle suspected
cases.
If anyone has been in contact with a suspected case in a
childcare or an educational setting, no special measures
are required while test results are awaited.
There is no need to close the school or send other students
or staff home.
Once the results arrive, those who test negative will be
advised individually about returning to education.
In most cases, closure of the childcare or education
setting will be unnecessary, but this will be a local
decision based on various factors including professional
advice.
Schools should be guided by the advice on the GOV.UK
website and contact their regional school commissioner in
case of queries.
I can tell the House that in the coming days we will roll
out a wider public information campaign.
While the government and the NHS have plans in place for
all eventualities, everyone can play their part.
To reiterate, our advice is for everyone to take sensible
precautions like using tissues and washing hands more.
Yesterday, we updated our advice to returning travellers
from northern Italy, defined as anywhere north of, but not
including, Pisa and Florence, as well as Vietnam, Cambodia,
Laos and Myanmar.
Those returning from Iran, from the lockdown areas in
northern Italy, and special care zone in South Korea should
self-isolate and call NHS 111, even if they have no
symptoms.
We are working closely with the World Health Organization,
the G7 and the wider international community to ensure that
we are ready for all eventualities. We are co-ordinating
research efforts with international partners.
And our approach has at all times been guided by the Chief
Medical Officer, working on the basis of the best possible
scientific evidence.
The public can be assured that we have a clear plan to
contain, delay, research and mitigate, and that we are
working methodically through each step to keep the public
safe.
I commend this statement to the House.
