Yvette Cooper MP calls for 'massive testing system' to help battle coronavirus

Yvette Cooper has called for a 'massive testing system' to be implemented to help track the spread of the coronavirus.
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The Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford MP praised NHS and council employees for their "incredibly hard" work, but said that further action was needed to help stem the spread of the virus.

She also asked the public to "stick to common sense" by shopping sensibly and looking out for vulnerable friends and neighbours.

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Yvette Cooper has called for a 'massive testing system' to be implemented to help track the spread of the coronavirus.Yvette Cooper has called for a 'massive testing system' to be implemented to help track the spread of the coronavirus.
Yvette Cooper has called for a 'massive testing system' to be implemented to help track the spread of the coronavirus.

Ms Cooper said: “This is really tough. Families are understandably really worried about what coronavirus will mean round here - for our health and our lives and also for people’s jobs and family finances.

“We have strong communities who know how to pull together – and we will need that now more than ever. People are working hard to prepare but there’s no doubt it’s going to be difficult.

“Our NHS and Council staff are working incredibly hard to put new systems in place to respond as coronavirus spreads. But I’m calling on the Government to put in place a massive testing system as some other countries have done - so we can see where the virus is and help stop it spreading.

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"We need major investment in the NHS and especially social care in order to cope and we need more action to stop coronavirus spreading."

It comes after Wakefield Council leader Denise Jeffery warned that the council may be forced to prioritise services as the pandemic continues.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that two people in Wakefield had died after testing positive for Covid-19. There have been five confirmed cases in the district.

Yvette Cooper said she wanted to see more support in place for businesses and individuals who were at risk from the virus.

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“I’m calling on the Government to provide urgent support for people who are losing their jobs, staying home to self isolate or whose small businesses are at risk," she said. "The current Universal Credit and statutory sick pay system are nothing like enough. We need some guarantees that people will still be able to pay their rent or mortgage.

"Local pubs, small businesses and entire sectors of the economy that are being hit will need urgent support so they don’t just close for good as a result of the virus.

“All of us will need to do our bit. That means keeping up with Government advice, sorting out problems, shopping sensibly so everyone can get what they need, and most important of all, looking out for friends, family or neighbours who need support.

"I’m putting together information for people who want to volunteer and also on the work community groups can do.

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“Sticking to common sense and looking out for each other as Yorkshire people have always done is going to be really important over the next few weeks and months.

"If anyone has any concerns or questions that haven’t been answered by the Government or NHS advice, please get in touch with me and I’ll do my best to get answers on your behalf”.