Covid-19

The Minister advised that those with symptoms or living in households where someone is symptomatic should stay home for 14 days without going out even for essentials unless it is for exercise while maintaining a safe distance from others. He further instructed against all unnecessary social contact and travel, encouraging working from home when possible. The Government also plans to increase testing capabilities significantly, ramp up NHS resources by purchasing more ventilators, introduce emergency legislation enabling essential services to continue during workforce shortages due to illness, and enhance public communication efforts.

The speaker, Jon Ashworth, paid tribute to NHS and social care staff during the pandemic, expressed concerns about clarity of purpose and Government effort required for combating the virus. He raised several questions regarding advice for those unable to work from home, details of shielding elderly individuals, support for vulnerable people with specific health conditions, transparency in evidence informing the UK’s strategy, lessons learned from other countries' containment policies, testing capacity and community testing, vaccine development funding, manufacturing capacity for antivirals, NHS capacity including PPE supply and intensive care unit beds, non-emergency elective treatment suspension, ventilator numbers, ECMO bed capacity, requisition of private sector equipment, and financial support measures such as sick pay and universal credit changes.

Bottomley expressed concern about the destruction of medicines due to patient deaths and requested a review on drug availability. He also raised issues regarding business closures for those above retirement age and sought assurances that no one would be evicted unnecessarily during the crisis.

Whitford inquired about the reasons behind the UK's initial approach to the pandemic, specifically regarding herd immunity. She sought clarification on Government advice concerning mass gatherings and testing strategies. Additionally, she questioned guidance for individuals over 70, care workers visiting homes or care facilities, provision for socially vulnerable groups like homeless people, and funding support for devolved nations.

Commends the NHS and presses the Secretary of State on testing requirements, clarity in advice for over-70s and conditions under which testing is required.

Clarifies self-isolation guidelines: seven days for individuals living alone and 14 days for entire household. Emphasises prioritising tests to those who need them most, highlights the NHS shielding policy for over-70s with health conditions.

Calls for unprecedented economic measures to support businesses and workers affected by public health measures announced today. Suggests guaranteeing wages through government and employer collaboration.

Welcomes tough measures but asks for clarity on closing clubs, cinemas, restaurants, and testing policies. Questions if shielding applies to over-70s without existing health conditions.

Expresses concern about protective equipment shortages in the NHS, staff testing, and transparency of plans. Requests immediate provision for PPE and testing for symptomatic staff.

Discusses support among headteachers for keeping schools open but raises concerns about staffing shortages due to illness. Asks about relaxing student-staff ratios and defining key workers during the crisis.

Asked the Health Secretary for reassurance about his plans for social care, particularly focusing on workforce issues. Highlighted over 120,000 vacancies and half of home care workers being on zero-hours contracts.

Responded to concerns about social care by affirming ongoing work with local authority leaders. Acknowledged the importance of testing for frontline workers and emphasised efforts to increase test availability. Stressed that the government is working to get home tests or equipment for bedside testing.

Congratulated the Secretary of State on the tone adopted in discussing the virus. Asked when people who recover can return to work, noting the impact on the economy.

Asked for clarification regarding testing policies for frontline healthcare and social care workers, highlighting concerns about stretched services and unnecessary self-isolation.

Expressed sympathy and admiration towards NHS staff and others dealing with the virus. Pressed Secretary of State on transparency regarding scientific evidence used for testing policies and questioned changes in test availability.

Raised concerns about constituents on zero-hours contracts or self-employed facing potential repossession and homelessness without income support. Highlighted the need for a minimum income guarantee from the government.

Asked whether people can walk pets while self-isolating, clarified that it is acceptable to go outside but avoid others. Also inquired about guidance for volunteers to prevent virus spread through volunteering activities.

Questioned the legality of advising businesses to close without mandatorily doing so, highlighting the impact on insurance claims by such businesses.

Asked for reassurance that the government's testing objective aligns with WHO guidelines. Pressed for targets on daily new tests and expressed concerns about GPs self-isolating without test availability.

Inquired whether the current test confirms no infection, and asked if immunity builds up after contracting the virus, seeking clarity on medical confirmation of immunity.

Stressed the need for stronger global leadership both in health and economic response to a crisis that requires international coordination.

Echoed concerns about pubs and restaurants, asked for firm advice on closure to prevent businesses from losing insurance claims.

Inquired about the government's timeline in starting to buy extra ventilators and how many more are required currently.

Expresses concern over lack of clarity regarding funding consequentials for Northern Ireland following the Chancellor's special measures announcement.

Asks the Secretary of State to thank local community groups mobilising in their communities. Urges them to be empowered to make decisions without waiting for instructions.

Questions the availability and timeframe of testing kits as per WHO advice, asking when these will become available and how many are needed.

Commends the Secretary of State for his work during the crisis. Raises concern over reports of local pharmacies hiking up prices of products such as sanitiser and masks.

Questions the Government's intention to test all those with symptoms at home and asks how tests will be prioritised.

Asks if the Government are considering creating an offence for malicious disinformation about coronavirus, and whether social media platforms should act against known sources of such disinformation.

Proposes that supermarkets allow elderly people to have one hour a day when only they can shop for essentials. The Secretary of State discusses this proposal with the Environment Secretary.

Asks about specific vulnerable groups, such as a mother concerned about her diabetic husband and pregnant teachers, asking if they are doing or should be doing the right thing.

Raises concern over self-employed individuals being asked to isolate without statutory sick pay support, urging for reconsideration on this issue.

Asks for reassurance regarding consular assistance and coordination with the Foreign Office for stranded constituents in countries with flight bans.

Concerned about unprecedented pressure on food banks, asks if measures will be put in place to provide volunteers with protective equipment and if supermarkets can donate stocks to food banks.

Urges businesses to encourage employees to work from home and highlights the need for testing of emergency and public sector workers, especially for elderly and vulnerable individuals living alone.

Asks for a plan for scaling back schools due to concerns raised by teachers regarding daily mass collections and potential infection risks. Discusses childcare responsibilities during closures.

Questions who takes the final decision in the event of a school needing to close, indicating it is the headteacher with discussions with regional schools commissioners.

Asked when local government would receive additional ring-fenced funding for public health and when allocations for the new financial year would be provided.

Expressed concern about isolated communities, particularly those dependent on ferry connections, during the pandemic and requested assurances regarding mutual aid, clear advice, and supply of medicine and equipment.

Inquired why public health information had not been translated into other languages available on the NHS website despite the virus being present in the UK for over a month, seeking an update on translations and clarification on the languages being worked on.

Suggested setting aside an hour at supermarkets for elderly people and those with small children to shop without competition from stockpilers, addressing concerns about scarcity in baby products.

Highlighted issues faced by universal credit claimants like her brother due to the lack of job security and delayed payments through the benefits system during self-isolation periods.

Asked whether the Government would consider providing direct funds to regional mayors and combined authorities for affected businesses, emphasising the urgency of financial support.

Suggested that due to the virus's high contagion in its early stages before symptoms appear, the Government’s strategy might be too reliant on responding to observable symptoms and recommended going further faster, particularly in London.

Asked how the Government was learning from other countries that were ahead of the curve regarding virus management and the measures they have taken or neglected to take.

Expressed concern about severely overcrowded accommodation in which people will have to self-isolate, raising issues of short-term public health and long-term mental health crises.

Asked for guidance on whether at-home social care visits should continue or if alternative arrangements would be made to protect those being isolated.

Asked about provisions for exams during school closures and measures in place for feeding children who receive free school meals when schools are closed.

Suggested continuing work with platforms to ensure the primacy of official information, actively working against misinformation that can be misleading or dangerous.

Asked if the Government would take measures similar to Spain’s to secure private healthcare resources for public health needs, ensuring they do not prioritise profit over safety.

Inquired about discussions with Welsh authorities regarding consistency of plans and messages during the pandemic and appealed for media platforms to realise their power in disseminating accurate information.

Asked if the Government had considered the possibility that some people might move from urban areas to rural ones, seeking assurance about additional resources for local health authorities in such cases.

Proposed a conference call between NHS heads and MPs as done in Gloucestershire county last Friday to share information with constituents, suggesting this model could be adopted nationwide.

Asked for extra support for pharmacists and clarification on public health funding allocation timeline.

Inquired about the public health agenda promoting healthier lifestyles to minimize severe cases seen by NHS, especially mentioning smoking cessation.

Highlighted issues with 111 hotline scripts not being updated in real time, causing delays and confusion for call handlers.

Asked the Government to coordinate volunteering organisations to help deliver necessities to isolated elderly and vulnerable people.

Inquired about the difference between the number of new cases currently and the number of tests available per day, highlighting the need for increased testing capacity.

Expressed admiration for public response to crisis and asked if there is an email address for businesses wishing to contribute to national ventilator effort.

Asked about financial support for children who rely on school lunches during potential closures and inquired about decisions regarding closing schools based on advice from other countries like Ireland.

Paid tribute to staff at the Department of Health working on coronavirus response, and asked about future updates on discussions with airline industry regarding maintenance of routes important for the economy.

Encouraged people to have confidence in Government’s medical advice but also called for strong economic support measures, highlighting the impact on tourism and hospitality industries.

Complimented the Secretary of State's leadership during crisis and asked for specific guidance for parents with immunosuppressed children regarding school attendance.

Asked about a national childcare policy to support key workers in the NHS, especially if schools are closed.

Inquired about support available for charities affected by coronavirus restrictions and called for measures ensuring they can continue providing essential services.

Called for child safeguarding to be a priority if schools close, suggesting discussion with the Schools Minister on this issue.

Complimented manufacturing initiatives for ventilators and encouraged further support across health and social care systems.

Asked about measures to introduce rates relief and VAT delay, especially important for families and businesses affected by the crisis.

Asked if the Chancellor should return to the House this week to clearly lay out measures available to support businesses and individuals affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Asked how the Government will ensure people with disabilities continue to receive necessary care at home, given the draft of volunteers.

Inquired about steps being taken by the Government to increase availability of high-quality masks and protective equipment for NHS workers.

Requested clarification on measures to allow prescriptions over the phone or electronically, and relaxation of restrictions on medicine supply, such as enabling three-month prescriptions.

Asked for clarification regarding what constitutes a continuous cough in the context of self-isolation advice.

Questioned why pubs were left to customers to decide whether they should go or not despite being unsafe, as per new advice.

Complimented the Health Secretary's resilience and inquired about lessons to learn from Germany’s experience with coronavirus cases and deaths.

Inquired about advice for multi-generational households where self-isolation is not feasible due to multiple age groups and medical conditions present in the household.

Asked whether healthy individuals over 70, who are still willing and able to work, should be supported by the Government in doing so under current advice.

Inquired about measures to prevent stockpiling of infant formula and asked for guidance on directing breastfeeding support groups to the national helpline during this period.

Requested a written communication from the Secretary of State and Chancellor detailing measures to support self-employed individuals and small businesses. Also inquired about financial support provided to local authorities.

Asked for a contingency plan regarding the continuation of public examinations like GCSEs and A-levels on schedule.

Requested that all press conferences include BSL interpreters to ensure people with hearing impairments or who use British Sign Language can access important health information during the outbreak.

Asked whether testing will be extended to social care staff, police, and teachers to maintain frontline service operations.

Inquired about the policy regarding schools’ closure and downsizing or changes in the approach during the outbreak.

Asked for clarity on when public health budgets will be announced by the Secretary of State.

Asked the Secretary of State whether it is appropriate for private health providers to be charging the NHS £2.4 million a day for rental beds during this national effort, and inquired about steps being taken to ensure that private health providers are contributing appropriately.

Inquired about the availability of electronic online sick notes through NHS 111 for those who need mortgage payment support during self-isolation.

Asked for measures to address inconsistencies in how 111 services divert patients, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy impacting GPs, and provided advice on allowing doctors more flexibility during consultations.

Expressed concerns about healthcare staff on zero-hour contracts and their eligibility for statutory sick pay, asking the Secretary of State to take action if necessary to address these issues.

Asked whether stricter health and safety measures will be implemented at UK borders due to onward transmission within the country.

Sought a willingness from the Secretary of State to reassess statutory sick pay arrangements, suggesting they may need adjustment.

Asked for an update on actions taken to prevent the closure of Mildmay Hospital and measures against price hikes due to panic buying.

Questioned why Government is not instructing businesses in affected sectors, such as bars and restaurants, to close entirely as a precautionary measure under health advice.

Asked the Secretary of State for support from military assets to ensure effective transportation protocols are in place for medical evacuation in isolated regions like Shetland.

Inquired about actions taken regarding British citizens stranded on a Fred Olsen liner due to coronavirus concerns.

Requested an update on measures being undertaken to increase the production of hand sanitiser, given current supply shortages observed in local councils.

Sought more guarantees for essential food supplies for symptomatic individuals unable to leave their homes due to isolation requirements.

Asked about measures being taken in case schools are forced to close, particularly focusing on the social care implications for families of students with special educational needs.

Inquired about conversations had with religious institutions regarding burial practices and potential funeral arrangements in light of virus-related deaths.

Asked the Secretary of State for Health about the modelling used in their strategy and questioned whether they were pursuing herd immunity.

Clarified that herd immunity is not part of their plan, denied pursuing it as a goal or strategy. Promised to publish the modelling being used.

Asked for clarity on how testing will be expanded and which groups would be prioritised for testing.

Expressed concern about the ability of homeless individuals to self-isolate and requested assurances that everyone who is street homeless would have an opportunity to do so. Also asked if action would be taken to prevent more people from becoming homeless due to eviction.

Asked about support for local charities that are facing difficulties due to the crisis, particularly regarding volunteer shortages and cancelled fundraising events.

Inquired about advice for a constituent who needs to travel from Belfast to London every month to collect medicinal cannabis for his daughter's treatment. Asked if three months' supply could be provided in case of future travel restrictions.

Asked about the number of ventilators purchased by the Government, how many will be needed at the peak of the crisis, and whether everyone would have access to a ventilator.

Inquired about support for local charities that provide mental health services and are running out of funds due to the crisis.

Asked whether other Government Departments would adopt similar measures as IPSA in response to the crisis by having staff work from home with phone lines closed.

Asked if former medical staff brought back to deal with the virus will be put on correct registers and have up-to-date qualifications and training.

Inquired about discussions with banks regarding mortgage payments and asked if there would be a three-month freeze on mortgage payments.

Asked for statements from other Secretaries of State to address issues raised by Members concerning their respective Departments.