Hancock said 82 NHS workers and 16 social care staff have died with the virus so far
The health secretary told the daily Downing Street briefing that 82 NHS workers and 16 social care staff had died with the virus so far.
“I feel a deep personal sense of duty that we must care for their loved ones,” he said.
Matt Hancock announced the £60,000 payout plan in Downing Street.
“Today, I am able to announce that the government is setting up a life assurance scheme for NHS and social care frontline colleagues.
“Families of staff who die from coronavirus in the course of their essential frontline work will receive a £60,000 payment.
“Of course, nothing replaces the loss of a loved one but we want to do everything we can to support families who are dealing with this grief.”
Mr Hancock said the government was looking at other frontline professions who did not have access to a life assurance scheme “to see where this may be required”.