Coronavirus

Natalie Elphicke Excerpts

Wednesday 11th March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Matt Hancock]

The hon. Gentleman presses me on a question that is not in my departmental area. I apologise, but I would rather get him the right answer than give him the wrong answer now. I will make sure that we get back to him.

[Mrs Natalie Elphicke (Dover) (Con)]

My hon. Friend the Member for Mid Bedfordshire (Ms Dorries) has been playing a pivotal role in supporting our east Kent hospitals, and I would like to add my good wishes to her, her family and her staff.

Areas like mine in Dover and Deal are on the border with another country. With a global pandemic now announced, will my right hon. Friend update the House on any additional steps being taken internationally to manage transmission risk between countries, such as between our country and France?

[Matt Hancock]

Yes, we are increasing the support available at all ports, including airports and seaports such as Dover, and making sure that better information is available, including in multiple languages, to those who are arriving. Specifically and importantly, no matter who is here, we want to make sure that they know that if they are ill they should call 111, because this virus travels from human to human, not from people of one nationality to another. It does not see that distinction.