A minister has defended the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic - and suggested the response from other countries has not been based on the scientific evidence.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said Downing Street's response to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, was fuelled by a "real desire to be driven by the evidence and by the science".

As it stands, there are 1,373 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK, with 35 deaths linked to the virus.

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The UK has yet to implement stringent restrictions seen in countries like Italy and the United States, which include shutting businesses and putting regions into lockdown.

"We are just being entirely science-led, we're not doing the things that are happening elsewhere just because it seems like a popularist [sic] thing to do," Mr Shapps said.


"We want to know that the scientists back it. That's the hallmark of this country's response."

He added that the government would ramp up its coronavirus response and implement further measures "at the appropriate time".

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An announcement of further action could come as early as this afternoon.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will chair a meeting of the government's COBRA emergency committee later.

It will consider whether to activate measures like banning mass gatherings and lengthy household isolation for the elderly.

The PM will then address the nation in the first of what will be daily media conferences to keep the public informed about the COVID-19 pandemic.

It comes amid criticism that the government is not being sufficiently transparent about its handling of the crisis.

At the weekend, it emerged via a report from ITV political editor Robert Peston that elderly people will soon be told to isolate at home for four months.

Critics have queried why such an announcement was not first made by the PM or Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

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But Mr Shapps denied suggestions the government was not being upfront with the public.

"That's just not true," he said.

"If you look at the action plan, which was published at the beginning of this, it's literally written in there. It's just not true, that accusation.

"I would say it's useful, before we're asking over 70s to isolate... it's practical and helpful to know what's coming down the line.

"That's why it was written in the action plan itself, in order that they can get themselves prepared."

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Mr Shapps added: "Our approach is to be completely open with it and publish all the information, all the background and try to give people the best possible advice as we pull together as a nation to defeat this thing."

Labour's shadow chancellor John McDonnell said his party was working with the government, but had raised a number of "issues" about its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

He told Sky News that one of those was communication - and that he was "glad" the government has moved to hold daily news conferences.

Mr McDonnell added that Labour was also calling for better access to - and an increase in the rate of - statutory sick pay, as well as mortgage and rent holidays for those who have to self-isolate.

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The Labour frontbencher said he was hopeful that elements of his party's demands would be included in the government's emergency legislation, which will be published on Tuesday.

Later on Monday, Mr Johnson will ask British manufacturers to support the production of essential medical equipment for the NHS, such as ventilators which are desperately in need.

Mr Hancock said there had been an "enthusiastic response" to ministers' request for factories to help with ventilators.

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Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, said a "couple" of factories in her constituency had been "in touch to offer help".

The PM will speak to all G7 leaders - including US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel - to discuss a coordinated global response to COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson is expected to meet with school leaders to discuss the implications of school closures and exams being postponed.