Sheikh Mohammed flies in huge stock of PPE to help fight Covid-19 pandemic

Sheikh Mohammed has stepped in to help the fight against the coronavirus by purchasing 60 tonnes of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The leading owner and ruler of Dubai has donated the much-needed PPE for use by the National Health Service.

The first of several planes containing the cargo landed at Heathrow Airport on Thursday afternoon, with more planes expected.

The equipment, which includes face masks, had been bought by Sheikh Mohammed from suppliers in China.

A spokesperson for the Sheikh said the donation has been made because of his "deep and long-standing connections with the UK" and that "he is determined to do his bit to keep Britain's health workers safe".

Boris Johnson: 'We are past the peak of this disease and we are on the downward slope'

Britain remains under lockdown with the pandemic causing all racing to be called off since March 17.

Of those testing positive for the coronavirus, 26,711 have now died, an increase of 674 since Wednesday.

But Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "We are past the peak of this disease and we are on the downward slope."

A plan to boost the economy will be set out next week. But any lessening of lockdown restrictions is subject to five key tests and Johnson said: "We must be sure that we can continue to protect the NHS and its ability to cope.

"We must see a sustained fall in deaths. We must all make sure that the infection rate is falling. We've got to overcome the operational and logistical challenges on testing and PPE.

"And most importantly we must all make sure that the measures we take do not risk a second spike that would overwhelm the NHS."

Read more:

Racehorse owner Nick Bradley raises £10,000 for coronavirus-related charities

Coronavirus forces cancellation of Property Race Day event at Ascot

Leading owner Bill Gredley donates £50,000 to Newmarket coronavirus fund

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