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

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:

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.

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.

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

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

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

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”.

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

It comes as airline Ryanair claims that up to 3,000 jobs are to be cut across pilots and cabin crew due to cancellations caused by the pandemic.

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.

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

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