• AT the time of writing, the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Camden is three.

I know councils, health authorities and others are working together to combat the spread of this disease, and I pay tribute to their work.

The Royal Free Hospital is a specialist centre for the treatment of infectious diseases like COVID-19.

I want to thank to the remarkable NHS staff in the Royal Free and all over the country who are working day and night to keep us safe.

This is not an easy time to be a health worker on the front line. While people who may have coronavirus are being advised to call 111, there is always a risk to medical staff when it comes to infectious diseases.

With COVID-19 starting to spread more rapidly and the first UK deaths, it is important that the government gives the health service as much money as it needs to deal with coronavirus and is clear with local authorities about how much they will have to spend.

We will keep the family and loved ones of those who have died in our thoughts as we confront this situation.

TULIP SIDDIQ MP
Labour, Hampstead & Kilburn