British health minister Matt Hancock has warned of “tough” weeks ahead in the battle to combat the spread of coronavirus, but added that the government was not planning to shut schools and universities at this stage.

“In the coming weeks, it will be tough, but with calm heads and clear determination, together we can see it through,” Hancock told a British Chambers of Commerce conference.

Britain's health minister Matt Hancock walks past a hand sanitising station as he leaves a conference venue in London, Britain. — Reuters
Britain's health minister Matt Hancock walks past a hand sanitising station as he leaves a conference venue in London, Britain. — Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...
Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...