504,303 JOIN PEOPLE’S ARMY OF KINDNESS
● DIY virus tests for millions within days ● UK daily death rate halves as toll hits 465
MORE than 500,000 volunteers have joined Boris Johnson’s “NHS kindness army” in 24 hours.
An incredible 504,303 had signed up by yesterday evening after the PM sent out a call for helpers who will be
“absolutely crucial” in the battle against coronavirus.
They will help with delivering medicines, providing transport and making regular phone calls to check on the 1.5million people, many of them elderly and vulnerable, who must be shielded in their homes.
The news came as a further 28 people who tested positive for the coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in England to 414 but the rate of increase in fatalities is half that of the day before.
At his daily press conference at 5pm proud Mr Johnson said: “When we launched the appeal last night we hoped to get 250,000 volunteers over a few days but I can tell you that in just 24 hours, 405,000 people have responded to the call.
“That is already, in one day, as many volunteers as the population of Coventry. To all of you, and to all the former NHS staff who are coming back now into the service, I say thank you on behalf of the entire country.”
Almost as soon as
Mr Johnson finished speaking the number of “recruits” had risen to more than 491,000 – and then quickly passed the 500,000 mark.
Now the NHS is increasing its target number of volunteers to 750,000.
The UK death toll has hit 465 – but hopes have risen of an antibody test being available soon.
Professor Sharon Peacock, director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England (PHE), said people would be able to carry out Covid-19 antibody tests at home in the “near future”.
But the UK’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty dismissed suggestions the test would be ready to buy online next week.
Meanwhile NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens also praised the “overwhelming response” and thanked those who will support the organisation as it faces its greatest ever challenge.
Sir Simon said: “Times like this show just how generous the British people are and how much they value our health service.We are blown away by this response and the kindness of our country.
“I can’t thank those enough who have pledged to devote their time to helping others at what is a challenging and uncertain time for you and your families. The NHS is always there for you – now is your time to be there for us too.”
PM Mr Johnson, who kept the Queen updated on the situation by phone, added that the UK is “coping very well indeed under the most challenging possible circumstances”. The
Royal Family’s Twitter account, which used a picture of Her Majesty using an old-fashioned receiver, said: “The Queen held her weekly Audience with the Prime Minister, as she has done throughout her reign.”
Once checks on the NHS volunteers have been completed, they can log in and mark themselves as “on duty”.
They will then be able to see live tasks that need completing nearby and sign up. Those in higher-risk groups including those over 70, pregnant women or people with underlying medical conditions, can still volunteer to support over the phone.
Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said there had been “outbreaks of altruism and people wanting to help”.
Around 11,000 former medics have also agreed to return to boost staff numbers, alongside more than 24,000 final year student nurses and medics.
Anyone who is over 18, fit and healthy without any symptoms of coronavirus can offer their time. Sign up at goodsamapp.org/NHS