Hancock praises \'good example\' of virus patients

Hancock praises 'good example' of virus patients

The Health Secretary has praised a group of people released from quarantine after returning from a coronavirus-hit cruise ship for setting a "good example" to the public.

Matt Hancock said tackling the Covid-19 outbreak was a "national effort" that may require more people to self-isolate at home.

A group of 30 Britons and two Irish nationals were released from isolation at Arrowe Park Hospital in the Wirral on Sunday having been given the all-clear from infection.

They were repatriated from Japan last month having been passengers on the coronavirus-stricken Diamond Princess cruise ship.

Around 700 people caught the illness while the ship was held in quarantine for several weeks - more than a quarter of the 2,600 people on board.

Thanking Arrowe Park's staff and the quarantined group, Mr Hancock said: "Tackling coronavirus is a national effort and they have set a good example for the rest of the public as more people may need to self-isolate themselves at home.

"Public safety is our top priority and we all have a part to play in containing the spread of the virus."

His comments came as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK rose to 211 on Sunday morning, following two further cases reported in Wales.

Published: by Radio NewsHub
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