A Downing Street spokesperson said:
The Prime Minister and this Government are committed
to keeping the public informed every step of the way
about what we’re doing to fight the spread of
coronavirus, when we’re doing it and why we’re doing
it. At all times we will be led by the science to
bring forward the right responses at the right time
to this global pandemic.
On Monday morning the Prime Minister will speak to
British manufacturers including Unipart Group to ask
them to support production of essential medical
equipment for the NHS. He will stress the vital role of
Britain’s manufacturers in preparing the country for a
significant spread of coronavirus and call on them to
step up and support the nationwide effort to fight the
virus.
A Downing Street spokesperson said:
Preparing for the spread of the coronavirus outbreak
is a national priority and we’re calling on the
manufacturing industry and all those with relevant
expertise who might be able to help to come together
to help the country tackle this national crisis. We
need to step up production of vital equipment such as
ventilators so that we can all help the most
vulnerable, and we need businesses to come to us and
help in this national effort.
On Monday afternoon the Prime Minister will also chair
another meeting of the COBR emergency committee to
coordinate the government’s ongoing response to
coronavirus. The meeting is expected to include
discussion on current modelling of the outbreak and
next steps on plans around shielding elderly and
vulnerable people, household isolation and mass
gatherings.
Following his calls over the last few days with world
leaders including President Trump, Chancellor Merkel,
Prime Minister Abe, Prime Minister Conte and Crown
Prince Mohammad bin Salman the Prime Minister will
continue his engagement with international partners to
ensure a coordinated global response to the outbreak.
Tomorrow all G7 leaders will participate in a call to
discuss international efforts. The Prime Minister will
encourage fellow leaders to support the World Health
Organization response, provide funding and expertise
for research that can ensure rapid progress to develop
a vaccine, and drive forward support to mitigate the
economic impacts of the crisis.
In the past few weeks the UK has shown leadership by
providing up to £150 million to the IMF’s Catastrophe
Containment and Relief Trust to support the economies
of developing countries affected by the virus, £50
million for the Centre for Epidemic Preparedness
Innovations which is leading the global research and
development of a vaccine, £25 million for further
research into the virus including to develop a rapid
test, and £10 million for the WHO’s flash appeal for
the outbreak.
