In a press conference, he said “I fast-tracked trials to begin next week to carry medical supplies and equipment,”. He also said the trial, beginning next week will courier items from Southampton to St Mary's Hospital on the Isle of Wight.
This would be a great relief for hospitals and frontline health workers battling the coronavirus with the shortage of PPE, protective gear and medical supplies.
As a response to battling the pandemic and preparing for the next stage, the transport minister also announced a new Transport Support Unit (TSU) exclusively to fighting coronavirus. While both the passenger and freight transport services are functional and vital during this pandemic, the new measure will boost the transport services ensuring delivery of PPE and medical supplies to hospitals and transportation of emergency patients.
The nation went on lockdown on March 23 and it is expected to c continue for at least another three weeks. Currently, 143,464 Cases are reported and 19,506 had died. Experts say that Britain is facing its worst economic shock in centuries.