Overwhelmed by Public Response, UK Government to Double Pandemic Relief Support

Following an overwhelming response from the British public, the U.K. government will double its support for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Coronavirus Appeal, according to a statement today by the International Development Secretary.

The Coronavirus Appeal provides aid to refugees living in overcrowded camps around the world and the U.K. government will match public funding up to £10 million. Over the course of nine days, the public donated £9.8 million. A £25 public donation, along with a match from the government, could purchase essential hygiene kits to two families.

The DEC is a coalition of 14 different U.K. charities. To prevent the spread of the virus, they are providing frontline doctors and workers with proper equipment, supplying food to those who may be malnourished, and distributing clean water and soap to families.

The total pandemic aid now pledged by the U.K. is now £774 million.