New support for the most vulnerable in society: What we learned during today’s Downing Street coronavirus briefing

The Government has announced a £76million funding package to support the most vulnerable members of society during the lockdown.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick led the daily coronavirus briefing from Downing Street on Saurday, May 2.

England’s deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries was alongside Mr Jenrick.

Here is what we learned during today’s daily briefing:

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick led Saturday's daily coronavirus briefing.Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick led Saturday's daily coronavirus briefing.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick led Saturday's daily coronavirus briefing.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Government has announced a new £76million funding package

Robert Jenrick began by announcing a new £76million funding package, aimed at supporting the most vulnerable members of society.

These would include survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, victims of modern slavery and vulnerable children.

It is hoped that it will create new safe spaces and help organisations who may have had to cancel services during the lockdown start up again.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rough sleepers known to councils have been offered safe accommodation

Mr Jenrick revealed that over 5,400 rough sleepers who are known to local councils have been offered safe accommodation during the lockdown.

He confirmed that Dame Louise Casey will spearhead the Government’s efforts and it is hoped that it will help homeless people secure long-term accommodation when coronavirus measures are relaxed.

Read More
Read more: Pub quiz questions - North-East entertainment, general knowledge and ...

Mass gatherings could be more likely to return before the re-opening of pubs

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Both Mr Jenrick and Dr Harries were asked if mass gatherings could return before the permitting pubs to re-open once measures are eased.

The Secretary of State confirmed that the rate of transmission was “significantly less” outdoors, something which Dr Harries agreed with – but only on the basis of what you do.

She highlighted that outdoor activities as a family unit is “probably a safer environment” whereas sitting in a pub with friends in a small environment is “not really a good thing to do”.

Long-term plans are being considered to support those who are shielding at home

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Robert Jenrick revealed that the Government is considering long-term plans who support those who are shielding at home due to being classed as “high risk”.

There were 1.8 million people in England asked to remain at home for 12 weeks for medical reasons at the start of lockdown.

The Local Government Secretary acknowledged the impact that the process is having on those self-isolating.

He added that local councils have received lists of people who are shielding so they can provide support and a “check in and chat” service is in development.

A new “track and trace system” is being developed

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A “track and trace system” could be revealed in the form of a phone app for those who are diagnosed with Covid-19.

The app will allow users to input data and anonymously alert others that they may have been in contact with them.

Dr Harries acknowledged that getting the app up and running to an effective scale would be a significant task.

The Government will offer support to the aviation industry

During the briefing, Mr Jenrick announced that the Government will look to support the aviation industry in “anyway it can”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He highlighted the lasting demands that the outbreak will have on the industry, especially in terms of social distancing.

There isn’t enough information yet on whether you can contract Covid-19 more than once

England’s deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries revealed that there isn’t enough information yet on whether those who recover from Covid-19 are immune to it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She confirmed that this will be discovered once further testing is complete and that it may vary on different people’s immune systems.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.