Wuhan Coronavirus

Patricia Gibson Excerpts
Monday 3rd February 2020

(4 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Matt Hancock Portrait Matt Hancock
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The first thing people can do is ring 111, or look on the Public Health England website and the NHS website, which includes links. Critically, people should not go to A& E or to their GP without first calling 111 because they may inadvertently contribute to the spread of the virus, rather than contain it.

Patricia Gibson Portrait Patricia Gibson (North Ayrshire and Arran) (SNP)
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I agree with the Secretary of State that a co-ordinated global response is extremely important, because we know that delaying responses could hasten the spread of the disease. Does he share my concern about reports in The New York Times yesterday, which referred to countries where China holds sway? For example, Cambodia is a magnet for Chinese tourists and workers. Its Prime Minister, Hun Sen, told a news conference that anybody wearing a mask would be kicked out of that conference because it would create a climate of fear. Does the Secretary of State share my concern that that does not bode well for trying to slow down the spread of this disease?

Matt Hancock Portrait Matt Hancock
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I have not seen that report, but I will look into it.