Jarrow MP Kate Osborne slams Government's 'slow' response to tackling coronavirus as she fights illness

The MP announced that she had been diagnosed with COVID-19 on Monday, March 16, and since then has been self-isolating at her flat in London.

Following her positive test, she reassured those in her constituency that she was coping with the illness and would be available to keep in touch during her time behind closed doors.

On Thursday, March 19, she posted a video message on her Twitter account thanking supporters for their well wishes as she continues to fight coronavirus.

But on Friday, March 20, she expressed her frustration at the Government’s response to combating the outbreak, saying that measures were being implemented too slowly.

In her Tweet, she said: “Johnson is floundering and the government response is too slow.

“The UK remains on a steeper mortality curve than Italy, I urge the government to look at Labour’s Economic Plan for Individuals Affected by Coronavirus.”

And her criticism comes on the day that schools across the UK close their doors to the majority of pupils to delay the spread of the illness and protect the most vulnerable people in society.

In a press briefing on Thursday, March 19, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that we can “turn the tide” against coronavirus in the next 12 weeks if we follow Government measures.

Such measures are social distancing, staying at home if you have a cough or fever and washing hands regularly.

The Government is also asking the public to avoid the likes of pubs and clubs and to work from home where possible.

The number of confirmed cases continues to rise in the UK, standing at 3,269 as of 9am on Thursday, March 19.

In her message on Twitter, Kate Osborne referred to the Labour’s economic plan for individual affected by coronavirus and the measures the party would look to introduce.

This would include underwriting wages so people – including the self-employed – don’t lose their job, give full financial support to people sick and self-isolating, provide security for those out of a job.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has already set out a package of measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.

The Government’s pledge to support businesses include a Statutory Sick Pay relief package for SMEs, a 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England and a small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief.

Following Kate Osborne’s coronavirus diagnosis, Durham City MP Mary Foy also announced she is “self-isolating as a precaution” after being in close contact with Ms Osborne.

Announcing her decision on Twitter, constituents were reassured that the MP’s office will remain open, although they would not be accepting drop-ins.