Retired nurses will be re-drafted to help tackle Coronavirus, says Hancock

The government has set out its “battle plan” to tackle the virus.

Doctors and nurses could be brought out of retirement to help the NHS tackle Coronavirus, according to government plans.

Ahead of Monday’s emergency COBR meeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has today set out the government’s plans to deal with Coronavirus.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care the government’s “battleplan” includes “looking at emergency registration of health professionals who have retired, the introduction of emergency indemnity coverage for health care workers to provide care or diagnostic services”.

Mortality rates for this age group of workers show the re-drafted healthcare professionals would be at the greatest risk should they contract the virus.

Everyone has a role to play.

Other measures include; urging the public to work from home and relaxing the rules around school class sizes.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said; “The UK is a world leader in preparing for and managing disease outbreaks and I have every confidence in our nation’s ability to respond to the threat of COVID-19.

“Public safety is our top priority. Our battleplan will ensure that as this escalates, every part of government is working together to share the responsibility of tackling the health, economic, and social impacts of COVID-19.

“The government and the NHS are working 24/7 to fight this virus, but cannot do this alone. Every single person has a role to play in helping to manage the spread of the virus – whether that’s washing your hands more often, catching your sneezes, and following clinical advice by calling NHS 111 not going to A&E if you develop symptoms

Prime Minister Boris Johnson added; “Coronavirus may very well be a challenge in the weeks and months ahead. But I have no doubt that with the help of the NHS and its incomparable staff this country will get through it – and beat it.”