Work has begun on a new temporary ward for coronavirus patients at Wigan Infirmary it has been revealed. Bosses at the hospital last week decided to approve the construction of the facility as part of their plans to tackle the highly contagious Covid-19 virus.
Once finished the "emergency contingency ward" will provide an extra 52 beds. A total of 28 of these will be critical care beds – more than trebling the current capacity.
It was today announced the death toll of Covid-19 in the UK had topped 400. Last night Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered people to stay at home other than limited circumstances to try and slow the spread of the virus and relieve pressure on the NHS.