More beds, 26 million PPE products and more research into treatments - all part of the government's plan to "boost capacity" in Hospitals. Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, stressed the "importance of staying at home" and the need to boost the capacity of the NHS, with staff, beds, tests and equipment. He urged us not to relax social distancing measures in place over the weekend and warned "if we do - people will die". The Health Secretary, speaking behalf of Number Ten, said: "We need patients to volunteer for trials [to develop treatments] but for now the only way to protect yourself and your families is to stay at home. The announcements come as there have been 684 more deaths in the UK - 604 of those in England - bringing the total to 3,605. Prince Charles opened London's NHS Nightingale Hospital earlier today, with two more hospitals in Bristol and Harrogate expected to open in the coming weeks, according to Mr Hancock. The Queen has recorded a special broadcast about the outbreak which will be broadcast on Sunday evening at 8pm. Premier League clubs are going to ask their players to take a 30 percent pay cut as the pandemic continues, the proposals will be discussed by the footballers' union tomorrow. As previously reported, yesterday (Thursday) the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, also announced the government is aiming to roll out 100,000 tests a day by the end of April. On the Isle of Wight today Earlier a man in his 90's died after testing positive for coronavirus. Meanwhile, five people on the Island who had tested positive have now recovered. There are currently nineteen cases of coronavirus on the Isle of Wight. It has been confirmed St Mary's Hospital is planning to increase the number of beds available to coronavirus patients. Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely says plans are underway to expand the Intensive Care Unit at St Mary's Hospital from e18 ventilated beds to 45. It comes as the military recently came to the Island to assist the Isle of Wight NHS Trust in plans for additional beds. Further restrictions for the maternity unit are in place for mother's to be - planning to give birth at St Mary's Hospital. Meanwhile, schools on the Wight will continue to provide emergency childcare cover over the Easter Holiday period for key workers so that they can continue to provide vital services. The police on the Island have also issued a message for Islanders over the Easter weekend. Follow all the latest coronavirus news for the Isle of Wight here.
Hovertravel Services Remain Suspended Due To Unexploded Ordnance
Local Business Gives Back By Supporting Surf Charity
Local Energy Company Seeks Rooftops For Community Solar Projects
Who Will You Nominate For 50th Isle Of Wight Sports Achievement Awards?
Isle Of Wight Churches Launch Urgent Fundraising Appeal For Debt Help On The Island
Plans Afoot To Improve Isle Of Wight Cycling And Walking Routes
Appeal Following Report Of Assault In Cowes
Witness Appeal Following Fatal Incident On Isle Of Wight
Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Attends ‘Man In River’ Emergency
Wightlink Releases Statement Regarding Suspended Services
Changing Rooms: Shanklin Hotel Set For Upgrades
'Plagued' Ryde Farmhouse Set For Demolition
Leeson Road To Re-Open This Sunday
Supergrass, Jess Glynne And Busted Among Latest Acts Announced For Isle Of Wight Festival 2025
Inspectors Appointed For Island Planning Strategy Examination
Islanders Floating Bridge Views Sought
Two More Years Of Restoration Works Confirmed For Isle Of Wight Quarry
RSPCA Isle Of Wight Appeal Launched To Help Island's Most Vulnerable Animals This Christmas
Appeal For Information Following Assault At Crown Pub In Ryde
New Entrance And Kitchen Mooted For Freshwater Bay Hotel
