Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking with the media to inform the public of the health effects of covid-19.

We have been working closely with partners in the media – including through regular press briefings with the Chief Medical Officer to ensure the latest advice on COVID-19 is widely accessible.

Ministers across Government including the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Prime Minister, as well as infectious disease experts at Public Health England have spoken to the media frequently to ensure the public are kept well informed.

On top of this, a public health campaign was launched on 2 February to ensure people have access to the latest advice in relation to coronavirus. This includes targeted national television, radio, social media and newspaper advertisements.

The campaign advises on the best way for the public to protect themselves against COVID-19, through carrying tissues, and hand washing.

It was refreshed on 4 March to include the latest messaging on handwashing with water and soap for 20 seconds.

All of our advice is published on Gov.uk/coronavirus, alongside daily updates with confirmed numbers of tests, positive cases and deaths.

Our public health advice is regularly shared with local authorities, schools, general practitioner practices, and pharmacies to ensure they can display the advice in their own settings.