The Army has troops on standby (Picture: Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images)

The UK’s coronavirus death toll hit 177 on Friday after an additional 40 patients died, while the worldwide death toll surpassed 10,000 that same day.

In a bid to fight the spread of the virus, all pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants were ordered by the government to close.

With fears of a city-wide lockdown in London also having mounted this week, what has the Army done in the midst of this pandemic?

Is the Army doing anything about coronavirus?

The British Army has put as many as 20,000 troops on standby to help form a ‘Covid Support Force’.


There are always 10,000 military personnel held on standby at ‘higher readiness’ in case of civil emergencies, and an additional 10,000 are to be put on standby to aid with the battle against the spread of coronavirus in the UK.



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If the UK were to go on lockdown, Army personnel will likely help police monitor the streets.

Military medics, including doctors and nurses, will also give aid to hospitals, and on Monday, 150 military personnel will start fast-tracked training so they can deliver oxygen tankers to the NHS.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: ‘The men and women of our armed forces stand ready to protect Britain and her citizens from all threats, including COVID-19.

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‘The unique flexibility and dedication of the services means that we are able to provide assistance across the whole of society in this time of need.

‘From me downwards the entirety of the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces are dedicated to getting the nation through this global pandemic.’

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Meanwhile in Italy, the country which has been worst-affected by the virus, the Italian Army is set to be brought in to enforce lockdown in Lombardy – the Italian region which has been hit the hardest.

Attilio Fontana, president of Lombardy, said at a press conference on Friday: ‘(The request to use the army) has been accepted… and 114 soldiers will be on the ground throughout Lombardy… it is still too little, but it is positive.’

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