Chancellor Rishi Sunak pledges £50billion of additional spending to combat coronavirus
RISHI Sunak has pledged nearly £50 billion in the fight against Covid – more than the UK’s annual defence budget.
The Chancellor set aside £10 billion to support the NHS Test and Trace programme, which aims to unlock the economy.
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Chancellor Rishi Sunak has pledged £50billion of additional spending to combat coronavirus[/caption]Paul Hunter, Professor in Medicine at UEA, said: “There are only three ways to control this epidemic.
“A vaccine, a strict lockdown or effective test and trace.
“At the moment, in the absence of a vaccine, test, track and trace is the least economically damaging option.
“If it works and allows schools and businesses to reopen, then it will be £10 billion well spent.”
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Treasury figures also reveal £15 billion has been allocated to purchase personal protective kit to keep frontline workers safe from the virus.
In total, Mr Sunak has promised £48.5 billion of additional spending to tackle the pandemic.
A further 126 coronavirus deaths were recorded in the UK yesterday – taking the total to 44,517.
Figures reveal £15billion has been allocated to purchase PPE for frontline workers[/caption]CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
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