“We thank all the domestic abuse and violence against women and girls charities working extremely hard to help some of those who are most at risk during the lockdown.”
On the app , there’s “reason to believe that given the nature of the crisis … that people will get behind it,” says Mr Jenrick. The UK is “well-positioned” because the country is fairly advanced in terms of technology and there’s “great affection” for the NHS so “people will want to get behind this as a cause”. He insists there will be a “good response”. On giving hope to people, he says he understands how difficult it is to home-school children and he’s focused on helping kids who are vulnerable and would otherwise have been supported in schools but are now at home and less visible.
Dr Harries adds there “are some signs” that infant and junior school-age children are “less susceptible to disease and challenging transmit it less “- but those are” very early indicators “.
Put your questions to Matt Hancock on Sky News
On the second question, he says “we’re going to think carefully … about how we can approach the next phase of the virus” and there will be a “slow return to normality.”
He adds it’s true it’s more likely for someone to catch the disease indoors than outdoors and that “will be a factor we will take into consideration”.
Dr Harries explains “it depends how you go to your outdoor environment and what you do” – if you go out with friends that you haven’t seen since before the lockdown, sit in a pub, stay there for hours face-to-face “that’s not a good thing to do”.
“Don’t go to the pub on the way,” she sums up the advice as.
Dr Harries says she’s looking closely at social care environments and homes but she doesn’t have the exact data to share. As more tests are done, scientific advisers will know better “where the prevalence of the disease is heightened”.
The communities secretary says the aviation industry is “one that we want to support in any way we can” but doesn’t outline any specific help not already announced.
Government ‘thinking’ about how to support shielded in long-term To Jenrick – what long term plans are there to support those who may need to shield for many more months? To Dr Harries – how many daily tests will be needed for the ‘track and trace’ system to be up and running, and how many staff have been hired to implement it?
The communities secretary says he appreciates the huge emotional impact asking people to shield carries and the government has tried to support them with practical steps – such as the food boxes and supermarkets giving them priority delivery slots.
Dr Harries says there are still “a number of uncertainties” on the track and trace program – and she hopes there will be “quick tests” so that if the initial person who triggered the alarm turns out not to have COVID – 25, everyone can come out of self-isolation speedily. The trail will happen “very soon”, she adds.
“The pressure on the NHS is now moving down,” she confirms.
Nearly 1 million packages delivered to vulnerable people shielding
Those who don’t have family or friends to support them are getting a basic weekly package of food and essentials, he explains, adding that the 1 millionth package will be delivered in the next few days.
“This was the right thing to do … we’ve helped to protect thousands of lives.” Dame Louise Casey, the government homelessness adviser, has also been appointed to a new taskforce to ensure those being helped currently can continue to receive the physical and mental health support they need once the pandemic is over.
m for charities to help abuse and trafficking victims
Mr Jenrick announces that the Domestic Abuse Bill going through parliament will ensure victims get the priority need status they need to access local housing services much more easily.
PM will reveal plan for ‘second phase’ of tackling virus next week
Mr Jenrick reiterates that the UK has “passed the peak of the virus” and reassures people that the prime minister will explain “how we will address the second phase” next week.
He says he knows the “restrictive measures … are difficult for everyone”, adding: “All of you, watching at home this afternoon, have made sacrifices – big and small. “
Mr Jenrick begins the Downing Street briefing by saying , coronavirus tests were “carried out” yesterday. The number of people who have tested positive has risen by 4, since the update on Friday.
Across all settings in the UK, , people have now died – an increase of 806.
India extends lockdown by two weeks – but implements ‘zones’ with different rules
Read more from our Diplomatic Editor Dominic Waghorn here .
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has made it clear “this is not a return to normal”. Local Government Secretary Robert Jenr ick has said councils should be confident to reopen tips “as soon as possible”, although there are warnings that protective equipment for waste workers and proper social distancing plans must be in place.
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