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Every day valiant NHS staff are putting their own lives at risk to care for others.

This is the greatest challenge our health service has faced since it was founded.

Those who work for the NHS have responded amazingly. But the same cannot be said of the bosses and politicians.

There is still a desperate shortage of personal protective equipment and kit.

Medics have resorted to cutting up hospital curtains to fashion makeshift gowns, and are relying on goggles from their kids’ schools for masks.

Others on the front line say that, in addition to the lack of PPE, they do not have enough dialysis machines. Ministers must rectify this shameful situation immediately.

During the war assembly lines were reconfigured to support the military effort. The virus demands a response of a similar scale.

Too many doctors, nurses and carers have lost their lives. To prevent further deaths they must get the right kit and protection. Now.

End tower delay

Nearly three years on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy tens of thousands of residents are still living in at-risk buildings.

Fire authorities say there are 420 high-rise blocks that require 24-hour patrols because they are coated with flammable cladding.

In last month’s Budget, an extra £1billion was allocated for the removal of this material from all buildings over 18 metres.

While this was welcome – and answered a key call of our Grenfell Never Again campaign – it is taking too long to filter through.

We understand the virus is the focus of attention but that does not mean the Government should ignore its other responsibilities.

When so many people are living in potential death traps there is no excuse for delaying action to remove this dangerous cladding.

Egging you on

This is going to be a difficult Easter, stuck indoors and away from our loved ones.

So if you’re wondering if you deserve another bit of chocolate the answer is: yes, you do.