LOC01:23
22:23 GMT
LONDON, April 1 (KUNA) -- The UK Ministry of Defense announced another step in "the intelligent mobilisation" of Reserve Forces to support its response to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).
"It is expected that 3,000 Reservists will be required as part of this tranche and will initially be mobilised for six months, to be kept under review," according to a MoD press release on Wednesday.
At the moment, only Reservists with specialist skills that meet specific requests for help from other government departments will be called out.
No one already working for the NHS (National Health Service) or delivering front line services will be mobilised to make sure these key workers can continue their excellent and critical efforts.
The Reserve Forces will be used to help deliver a range activities, such as providing additional medical and logistical support for the NHS, acting as liaison officers and deploying specialist skills such as engineering and accounting, the statement noted.
Commenting on the move, Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said, "Our Reservists are a truly remarkable group of people; each with their own skills and experience from their civilian careers beyond the armed forces.
"At times like these, to be able to draw on that pool of talent and expertise is invaluable.
"I know that our Reservists will answer the nation's call with real enthusiasm and will play a key part in our response to Covid-19," Heappey added.
Earlier today, the NHS said that deaths in the UK from Covid-19 went up in the 24 hours by 563 to 2,352 while infections surged by 4,324 to 29,474.
On March 18, Heappey announced new measures to enable armed forces personnel to support public services in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
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