Wuhan Coronavirus

Marco Longhi Excerpts

Monday 3rd February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Matt Hancock]

There are circumstances in which they work, but we are not recommending that people wear them generally—but of course it’s a free country.

[Marco Longhi (Dudley North) (Con)]

I commend my right hon. Friend, as well as his team and all his staff, for their work on what is a moving feast. Given that things could deteriorate in this country, what steps can local government, directors of public health and health and wellbeing boards take, particularly around prevention?

[Matt Hancock]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this important point. Local authorities and local resilience forums have a critical role to play in resolving this, as Wirral Council has demonstrated with its efforts thus far to support people at Arrowe Park, and I pay tribute to the work local authorities have done so far. Local authorities across the country should be familiarising themselves with their plans in case the coronavirus comes to them.