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19 health workers died in UK with COVID-19

11 April 2020 12:40 (UTC +04:00)

Nineteen health workers have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus, the health secretary has revealed, APA reports citing Sky News.

Speaking to Sky News, Matt Hancock said it was a "heartbreaking story" and it affects everyone in the NHS to see their colleagues die.

Mr Hancock said he was not aware of any link between lack of PPE and the deaths, but did say that a full investigation would be done, to see to what extent those health workers contracted coronavirus on the front line.

He said: "My heart goes out to their families... the fact that such a high proportion are from people that moved to this country to work for the NHS is really heart-rending... to see people who have literally given their lives for the NHS who were moved here to give that service and I think we should pay tribute to them."

Talking about personal protective equipment, the health secretary said that although he will not criticise people for wearing more than necessary, health workers should use it "appropriately", saying it is a precious resource and is a logistical effort to get it to the millions working in health and social care.