Coronavirus

The shadow Secretary of State thanked the Health Secretary for his statement, expressed condolences to those affected by deaths from coronavirus, and welcomed Parliament remaining open. He asked about testing for those feeling unwell who have not been in contact with the infected MP. He also pressed for more stringent social distancing measures based on current epidemiology and questioned when more funding would be allocated to the NHS as previous funds may run out.

Expressed appreciation for the responsible approach of Front Benchers towards the crisis. Praised the Health Secretary for securing supportive words for the NHS in the Chancellor’s Budget speech. Asked about the likelihood of containment and whether a shift to the delay phase was imminent.

Welcomed the declaration to keep Parliament open but questioned its functionality during the pandemic, suggesting alternative methods for voting. Inquired about quicker testing and isolation strategies. Questioned whether children are significant spreaders of the virus, crucial for potential school closures decisions. Asked if funding would be provided to those without sick pay in their contracts.

Praised community shops and volunteers assisting elderly and vulnerable individuals during the pandemic. Highlighted the importance of such community efforts in supporting national resilience.

Questioned the right hon. Gentleman on the issue of Atlético Madrid fans attending a match in Liverpool, despite coronavirus restrictions in Madrid, and asked who is responsible for addressing this situation.

Stated that it was Public Health England's responsibility to provide guidance and advice. Emphasised the importance of following scientific advice rather than intuitive measures. Mentioned looking at asking symptomatic people, however mildly, to stay home. Announced a shift towards digital-first consultations in primary care.

Asked the Secretary of State to consider suspending QOF data collection for primary care clinicians to reduce bureaucratic burdens.

Expressed concerns about guidance on personal protective equipment for GPs and resilience in social care. Pushed the Secretary of State on the public health grant allocation, asking for clarity on budget details.

Associated herself with the Secretary of State's remarks and expressed concerns over a test developed by her constituents not being used in this country. Urged the Secretary of State to investigate and ensure use of effective tests.

Welcomed the Secretary of State's focus on social care but asked for clarity on how much additional spending would go into it. Inquired about PHE issuing protective equipment to careworkers and ensuring children's needs are not overlooked.

Asked the Secretary of State to assure that the right number of people are being tested, inquiring when the expansion of testing would translate from capacity into actual numbers tested.

Asked about planning for schools closure scenarios, specifically regarding children on free school meals and their families' reliance on this support.

Inquired about social distancing measures, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups like older people.

Asked about the degree of resistance acquired by those who have contracted and recovered from the virus, seeking information regarding immunity.

Sought clarification on whether the Secretary of State is lacking in advice or if he receives sufficient input.

Asked about additional ventilators for the NHS and their availability to cope with an increase in critically ill patients needing breathing support.

Pays tribute to the Minister, Public Health England and NHS for handling an unprecedented situation. Asks if the Secretary of State is working with the Foreign Secretary to protect diplomats abroad and limit virus spread globally.

Confirms work with International Development Secretary and Foreign Secretary to slow virus spread internationally. Emphasises critical consular support for UK citizens overseas.

Concerned about public health information not being provided in languages other than English, questioning the exclusion of non-native English speakers who need to understand virus protection measures.

Commits to providing guidance in multiple languages as soon as practically possible.

Compliments the Secretary of State's approach and asks about retraining for non-acute specialties within the NHS to deal with potential increased demand.

Announces plans to invite retired healthcare professionals back into service, provide retraining for changes in case mix from elective operations to respiratory diseases.

Agrees with the Secretary of State on keeping Parliament open. Questions why Wales receives extra money for health but not social care or economic support measures.

Acknowledges the question is outside his department's remit and commits to providing a correct answer later.

Commends the role of her hon. Friend in supporting east Kent hospitals, asking about international measures at ports for managing virus transmission risk between countries.

Confirms increased support at ports including airports and seaports with information provided in multiple languages and advises ill individuals to call 111 regardless of nationality.

Concerned about the irresponsible operation of Parliament during a pandemic, suggesting testing for all Members and staff and electronic voting or automatic pairing for self-isolation.

Defends keeping Parliament open based on public health advice. Explains that testing people without symptoms is unreliable and counterproductive.

Echos concerns about self-test capabilities, suggesting a need for advanced self-testing methods to eliminate unnecessary workforce absences.

Agrees on the importance of developing self-testing solutions and highlights the use of 111 website for symptom assessment.

Asks the Secretary to ensure food aid provision continues during the pandemic, specifically addressing concerns about supermarkets limiting orders to local food banks.

Commits to ensuring that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs addresses this issue with supermarket chains.

Questions about hospital bed availability for those needing isolation during an increase in infected cases.

Announces plans to increase beds and move away from elective activity to make more beds available. Emphasises that ventilation becomes key as the virus spreads widely.

Questions about ESA system for those not on standard employment contracts who may lose out if they self-isolate due to lack of statutory sick pay.

Thanked the Secretary of State for handling the situation and asked for a clear plan to communicate information effectively, tackling fake news.

Asked if people should self-isolate with any form of cold due to the prevalence of coronavirus and potential confusion it may cause.

Welcomed the approach based on science and cross-party cooperation, but expressed concern about celebrities advocating a different approach via social media.

Asked for measures to ensure availability of critical care items for individuals with illnesses like cystic fibrosis due to panic buying in shops.

Complimented the Health Secretary on doing a difficult job well and asked about the number of people who catch seasonal flu and die from it annually.

Asked about new money for social care providers, given that today's Budget offers no clarity on this matter.

Asked the Health Secretary to issue guidance quickly regarding large public gatherings like Birmingham’s St Patrick’s Day parade.

Asked what discussions are taking place with the Department for Education and exam boards about exams approaching in the examination season.

Paid tribute to NHS staff and asked how risks can be minimised for those working on the frontline.

Asked if lessons from other countries, such as South Korea, are being kept in mind while formulating a response to coronavirus.

Welcomed measures taken and paid tribute to the Secretary of State’s team for tackling the virus. Asked for reassurance regarding calm among local population after a death at St Helier Hospital.

Asked about the use of volunteers, including students, to provide social care.

Emphasised the importance of matching volunteer skills to appropriate tasks and acknowledged the need for additional funding in a scenario where up to 20% of the public are off sick. He also discussed plans for discharge pathways, ensuring patients can leave hospital as soon as possible post-recovery, and mentioned that Ofsted will take a lenient view regarding school absences due to coronavirus. Additionally, he clarified that local government elections will not be postponed despite the peak in cases possibly occurring around this time.

Asked for clarification on additional funding for social care and the NHS, particularly in her constituency's local hospital.

Inquired about plans to ensure quick discharge pathways from hospitals to prevent delayed discharges that could further strain the NHS.

Requested confirmation on guidance for schools regarding absences when a family member is self-quarantined due to coronavirus, seeking assurance from Ofsted about leniency in future inspections.

Asked for clarification on social security claimants who are due to take work capability or work-related activity assessments, questioning whether they would be included in the Chancellor's statement during the Budget.

Inquired about when local councils might receive indication of extra funds and suggested postponing local government elections due to potential peak cases around May.

Asked if there were plans for specific guidance on dealing with rough sleepers and unaccompanied children during the coronavirus crisis, groups deemed particularly vulnerable.

Asked about the historical context of secondary schools remaining open during past pandemics and whether a similar approach would be taken in the current situation.

Requested clarification on funding for devolved Administrations and mutual aid between the four NHSs of the UK regarding procurement and cross-border needs.

Suggested that a proportion of hardship funds should be allocated to local welfare provision for those facing financial hardship due to coronavirus.

Congratulated the Secretary of State on consistent messaging regarding coronavirus and highlighted the importance of hand washing as a frontline measure against spreading the virus.

Asked the Secretary of State for guidance on preparing for potential cancellations and events, raised concerns about those on low incomes who need to self-isolate.

Responded by mentioning advice from Public Health England and introduced a £0.5 billion fund for local authorities; confirmed the four-nations approach with daily contact between Chief Medical Officers of each nation.

Expressed appreciation for the Secretary of State's handling and enquired about the Welsh Government’s access to advice and inclusion in UK preparations despite low cases in Wales.

Welcomed the government’s determination to keep Parliament open but urged the Secretary of State to consider hygiene practices within Parliament that might increase infection risks.

Asked about planning an effective public health campaign in Newcastle with uncertainty over budget allocations, enquiring the timeline for these details to be released.

Inquired about support and financial assistance for UK citizens overseas who find themselves required to self-isolate due to the pandemic.

Asked for a review of testing criteria for individuals with symptoms but no known contact cases, and inquired about NHS staff wearing masks when on duty.

Expressed concerns regarding the lack of information provided to those who rely on British Sign Language, and requested guidance for residential care homes during the pandemic.

Raised a concern about inadequate handling at Heathrow airport when his constituent arrived from Italy, expressing need for better coordination and information provision.

Expressed thanks to the Secretary of State and NHS team for their efforts during the pandemic.