MPs ETC

Coronavirus Count

Our daily updated guide to key facts and information about the illness drawn from Government sources.

“I urge you, please, to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.” Johnson’s letter to households: full text

“That is why we are giving one simple instruction – you must stay at home…if people break the rules, the police will issue fines and disperse gatherings.”

Link to Government’s NHS volunteer responder form

This is the scheme announced yesterday evening by Matt Hancock to recruit 250,00 volunteers to help counter the Coronavirus.

“People will only be allowed to leave their home for the following very limited purposes.” Johnson’s statement: full text.

Shopping for basic necessities; one form of exercise a day; any medical need, to help a vulnerable person; and work travel only where absolutely necessary.

The Government’s “new rules on staying at home and away from others”

“Every citizen must comply with these new measures. The relevant authorities, including the police, will be given the powers to enforce them.”

“A combination of measures unprecedented for a government of this nation.” The Chancellor’s statement: full text.

“Our Plan will protect jobs; offer more generous support to those without them and strengthen the safety net for those who work for themselves.”

“I want to reassure every British citizen.” The Chancellor’s statement. Full text.

“We will support jobs, we will support incomes, we will support businesses, and we will help you protect your loved ones.”

The Conservative Party suspends all non-digital campaigning, and directs activists to support the vulnerable

“Public safety has and will always remain our top priority… This is a time for looking out for each other, for our neighbours, friends and family.”

“Track everything.” James Johnson’s Twitter advice thread on Government polling and the Coronavirus.

Seven principles for action by Number Ten’s former head of polling. “Government understanding of the public is imperative to ensure they stay the course.”

“Without drastic action, cases could double every five or six days.” – The Prime Minister’s coronavirus statement – full text

“It’s now clear that the peak of the epidemic is coming faster in some parts of the country than in others. It looks as though London is now a few weeks ahead.”

Youth membership of the Conservative Party extended up to the age of 25

The discounted membership is now more widely available; a welcome step in raising recruitment, but only the beginning.

“The central judgement I’m making is to fund an additional £175bn over the next five years.” The Chancellor’s speech: full text

“The OBR have said that today’s Budget will be the largest sustained fiscal boost for thirty years.”