Published on : Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive, Gatwick Airport, said in a recent press statement that the airport is pleased to support the national effort against the spread of the coronavirus by allowing Gatwick facilities to be used as a vital testing centre for frontline health workers. He mentioned that Gatwick has the available space to host such a large-scale operation and can certainly be used for a good cause.
He further added that alongside keeping the airport open to support repatriation flights, among others, it will now provide support to the NHS, the Government and the country in every way possible during the time of crisis.
Lord Bethell, Health Minister, U.K. also said in a statement the in a time when the government is rapidly scaling up the national effort to boost testing capacity for coronavirus, the new service will help end the uncertainty of whether NHS and social care staff need to stay at home meaning those who test negative will be able to return to work. He mentioned that this would protect the vulnerable, support our NHS, and ultimately save lives.
He concluded that it is a national effort and the government is proud to work with a number of partners to turn the ambition into a reality and roll out additional capacity to where it is needed.
At present, Gatwick Airport is operation out of a single terminal following a sharp fall in demand in passenger travel demand in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tags: Coronavirus, Covid-19, Gatwick Airport