TWO PATIENTS DIE IN SALFORD ROYAL AS THE PM ORDERS A UK WIDE CLOSURE OF PUBS, CLUBS AND OTHER SOCIAL GATHERING PLACES TO STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has escalated the prevention measures to prevent people from gathering socially as the UK death toll hits 177, with Cafe's, Pubs, Clubs and Restaurants are among a list of companies that have been ordered to shut down by this evening (Friday 20th March) in order to try and stem the flow or Coronavirus infections in the UK.

Speaking at what has become a daily press briefing on the virus,  the chancellor Rishi Sunak has pledged that the government will pay up to 80% of wages of employees up to a value of £2,500 per month, defer VAT Bills and increase welfare payments by £7billion in and extraordinary package which will be in place until the crisis is over.

He said:

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"The government is doing its best to stand behind you and I am asking you to do your best to stand behind our workers."  

The Government will review the measures on a month by month basis.

The Prime Ministers warned revellers:

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“You’re not only putting your own life and the lives of your family at risk, you are endangering the community,”

The UK wide death toll currently stands at 177 with 9 confirmed cases of the virus currently in Salford, however, that figure is thought to be the tip of a much larger iceberg. 

Sadly two patients being treated at Salford Royal Hospital have succumbed to the virus, both were reportedly in their 80's and had pre-existing underlying health issues.

A spokesman for Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust said:

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"We can confirm that sadly two patients have passed away at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust. Both patients had tested positive for COVID-19.

"Both patients were female, in their 80s and had underlying health conditions.

"Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patients’ families and loved ones at this difficult time."

The majority of those who are infected will only suffer mild symptoms but for a much smaller group the infection can be much worse, which is why the Government has taken this unprecedented step to attempt to stem infection rates.

We wish to pass on our condolences to the families and loved ones of the diseased as our city mourns with you.