Health Secretary Matt Hancock today announced that 35,000 people would join the NHS to help in the fight against COVID-19.
This will be made up of almost 12,000 former NHS workers who are coming out of 'retirement', as well as more than 18,000 student doctors and nurses in their final year of university.
Advert
It follows the news that 8,077 people have now tested positive for coronavirus in the UK and 422 have died.
Speaking during Tuesday's press conference, Matt Hancock also announced a new volunteer scheme, calling for 250,000 volunteers explaining: "The NHS Volunteer Responders is a new scheme set up so that people can come and help and to make sure that the NHS and the local services that are needed can get all the help they can."
"Today we launch NHS volunteers. We are seeking a quarter of a million volunteers, people in good health to help the NHS, for shopping, for the delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielding to protect their own health, he continued.
"If you are well and able to do so safely, I urge you to sign up today to help the most vulnerable people in our communities as an NHS Volunteer Responder."
He also announced that a new NHS Nightingale Hospital will open in London, in a bid no doubt to get more room and more beds up and running.
Advert
This new hospital will be housed in the ExCeL centre in east London, Mr Hancock says.
The new hospital will consist of two wards and hold up to 4,000 patients.
Following the announcement, he also thanked NHS staff on the front line.
Advert
He said: "I want to thank the staff of the NHS, those who work in social care, all of you - the pharmacists, the paramedics..."
"You are the front line in the war against this virus and we all pay tribute to you.
"We salute you".
It is clear the government is going to new levels to help the UK in the fight against coronavirus and it is not only increasing staff in the NHS, but has now told the British public they must stay home to help the NHS following Boris' announcement last week too that restaurants and pubs must close.
Advert
Addressing the nation on Friday night, the PM said: "Following agreement between all the formations of the United Kingdom, we are collectively telling cafés, pubs, bars and restaurants to close tonight - as soon as they reasonably can - and not to open tomorrow, although they can provide takeout services."
The clampdown will also apply to theatres, nightclubs, gyms, shops and leisure centres, the PM said, as the government goes to extreme measures to keep people apart.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Coronavirus, NHS