UK unveils plans to combat Covid-19 while S Korea declares 'war'

CORONAVIRUS | The United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea on Tuesday unveiled plans to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (above) on Tuesday set out the government's action plan to tackle the spread of Covid-19 as the number of infections reached 51.

Launched during a press conference at Downing Street, the new plan sets out how Britain will take all necessary and reasonable steps to tackle the epidemic.

The plan has four strands, containing the virus, delaying its spread, researching its origins and cure, and mitigating the impact should the virus becomes more widespread.

The government said it may take steps to ban crowded activities if it becomes clear that it can no longer contain the epidemic, and that police will use the main force to tackle serious crimes and ensure social order. 

Public hospitals will recall recently retired medical workers to make up for shortages, and some chronically ill patients may be asked to delay their treatment.

Meanwhile, Johnson also congratulated the Chinese authorities on the speedy sharing of information on Covid-19.

The prime minister said Britain continues to have global coordination in fighting against the virus.

Johnson hosted a press conference alongside chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and government chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance.

Whitty said the Chinese authorities have "very helpfully" laid out valuable information related to the virus.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in declared war against Covid-19 on Tuesday as the number of cases in the country exceeded 5,000, placing all government agencies on a 24-hour alert.

Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting, Moon announced a plan to inject 30 trillion won (RM104.5 billion) directly or indirectly into the Covid-19 response.

As of 4pm on Tuesday, South Korea had confirmed 851 more cases, raising the total number of infections to 5,186, and 31 people dead, according to the country's health authorities.

Some cities in the country have recently adopted a drive-through model for virus testing. Passengers can stay in their cars, open the windows and receive temperature taking and samples collection.

The capital city of Seoul began promoting the model on Tuesday.

In Daegu, a treatment centre has begun to receive mild cases.

- CCTV+