Coronavirus

The Labour Party supports the Government's strategy but seeks clarification on self-isolation policies. Workers should not face financial hardship when isolating, and emergency legislation is needed to ensure all workers receive sick pay during isolation. Concerns are raised about NHS capacity with 80% of critical care beds occupied and staffing shortages. Additional funding for the NHS and social care is requested due to expected increased demand. The EU early warning system's importance in pandemic preparedness is highlighted, urging Government support for it despite previous indications of opposition.

Complimented the Secretary of State's handling of the crisis, raised concerns about availability of face masks, gloves and hand gel for frontline health workers.

Welcomed the plan but highlighted issues with briefing delays, sick pay for asymptomatic workers, self-isolation periods and employer stipulations. Asked about long-term preparations for winter and liability for staff transferred to community work.

Asked if the Government was considering emergency loans for small businesses in case of a more significant coronavirus outbreak.

Raised concerns about immunosuppressed individuals being required to sit in crowded waiting rooms, questioned measures put in place to ensure their safety.

Asked if contingency planning includes securing additional capacity in private hospitals for isolation of infectious patients.

Emphasised the importance of ensuring no one is out of pocket for self-isolation and highlighted concerns about people working in the gig economy without sick pay.

Asked about cross-departmental collaboration to utilize trained professionals from other departments for frontline healthcare support.

Inquired about the staffing levels and training timeline of NHS 111 call handlers in response to increasing demand.

Asked whether GPs are providing routine care for those self-isolating, and what guidance they have received regarding PPE use and patient visits.

Inquired about measures to ensure continuity of social care in both care homes and at home amidst the coronavirus outbreak.

Asked for details on UK scientists' involvement with WHO missions, attendance of chief scientific adviser in Cobra meetings, and timeline for a bedside test deployment.

Asked if community staff will receive protective equipment such as hazmat suits and masks.

Addressed concerns about inaccurate reporting causing economic harm to local businesses in Buxton, urged for responsible journalism and encouraged tourism.

Asked if SSP will be increased to full pay for NHS staff forced into self-isolation due to the virus.

Inquired about DWP's actions regarding access to benefits for individuals affected by business downturns or self-isolation requirements.

Asked for an update on containment efforts following a school outbreak and collaboration with the Department of Education.

Requested signage and health advisories in motorway service stations to prevent virus spread among travelers.

Inquired about provisions for self-employed individuals in rural Wales facing income loss due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Complimented the Secretary of State's handling of public health advice and inquired about clarity and speed of communication during social distancing measures.

Critiques the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy's lack of awareness regarding the reality faced by people on outsourced contracts. Questions whether individuals can go onto universal credit within three days as suggested and presses the government to provide clear guidance on what workers should do when they are sick.

Highlights concerns about potential shortages of basic products such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and cough medicines in light of escalating cases. Asks if the Secretary of State will work with manufacturers to ensure these essential products remain available.

Questions the risks associated with reacting too early, as mentioned by the Secretary of State during his speech on when to move into the delay phase.

Expresses concerns about elderly people who rely on daily support from relatives or carers. Asks for specific measures that will be taken if these individuals end up having to self-isolate.

Asks the Secretary of State to ensure Government advice on hand washing is thorough and not misleading, citing concerns about cosmetic-based products offering a false sense of security.

Proposes that the government should introduce health and safety guidelines requiring employers and businesses to provide facilities for handwashing upon entry. Asks if this can be done within existing powers or whether new legislation is required.

Asks what message schools should have regarding the decision to close in light of confirmed cases, and seeks reassurance that they will receive advice from Public Health England.

Raises concerns about potential redundancies due to unfunded burdens on local health services and asks the Government to confirm funding for Agenda for Change pay uplifts within 24 hours.

Requests departmental contacts for real-time information relevant to his constituency, which includes semi-rural areas that need localized updates on the virus situation.

Asks if claimants will face benefit sanctions when missing appointments due to self-isolation as advised by government guidelines.

Thanks the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow for handling a case and raises concerns about workers' welfare, asking the Government to consider setting up an insurance scheme if economic impacts worsen.

Asks the Secretary of State to guarantee that following government advice will not put people at a detriment regarding their income or working conditions, emphasising that clarity is needed on sick pay protections.

Asked about steps being taken to ensure sufficient healthcare professionals are available during the crisis.

Inquired about concerns over the use of nebulisers for respiratory illnesses, citing evidence from the 2003 SARS outbreak.

Commended the Secretary of State for working constructively with Health Ministers in devolved Administrations and urged continued collaboration as the situation evolves.

Expressed concern over racism linked to the coronavirus outbreak and requested Government communications use medically accurate terms to prevent discrimination.

Asked for confirmation that despite delivery being devolved, this is a whole-UK plan with the same information applicable across all parts of the United Kingdom.

Questioned about support for those on zero-hours contracts who would be financially out of pocket if they self-isolate due to coronavirus concerns.

Welcomed clarification that schools should not close unless necessary and inquired about guidance for hospital volunteers who may be at risk from the virus.

Asked specifically about advice to Department for Work and Pensions decision makers regarding coronavirus, requesting a copy of any circulated guidance.

Inquired how the Secretary of State will communicate with the public to prevent panic if measures like restricting public meetings and transport are necessary.

Asked about emergency funding for trusts hosting regional infectious diseases units and plans to extend these units to increase bed capacity.

Expressed concern over potential treatments appearing on the internet and asked for a clear message from the Secretary of State regarding authoritative advice sources.

Asked the Secretary of State to advise elderly people to restrict their movements and avoid large gatherings to reduce virus transmission.

Responded that decisions on restricting movement would be guided by scientific advice rather than immediate action, offered a briefing with the chief medical officer for further details.

Asked about guidance for elderly people and those with chronic diseases such as diabetes regarding flu vaccinations and virus protection.

Confirmed that additional advice for vulnerable groups would be provided based on scientific evidence, highlighting the importance of guidance for elderly people and those with health conditions.

Expressed concern about working people who do not receive sick pay and asked for clarification regarding government plans to address this issue.

Reiterated previous statements that the sick leave system is under review but remains robust, indicating no change in policy despite repeated questioning on the topic.