Nightingale hospitals 'on standby' as scientists warn winter could bring second wave of virus

A spokesperson for Downing Street has said Nightingale hospitals in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Harrogate and Sunderland will not close after concerns there could be a second wave of Covid-19 this winter.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman confirmed the hospitals remained an "important surge capacity" following warnings from Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England.

During Wednesday’s coronavirus briefing, Professor Whitty revealed it is possible the country could be hit with a second wave of the virus, despite the number of Covid-19 cases consistently falling.

A spokesperson for Downing Street added: "We may still need Nightingale hospitals for the months ahead.

“We will maintain that extra capacity until such time as there is more certainty."

While the Nightingale hospitals across the country remain empty, the government maintain they could be required urgently if the rate of coronavirus infections increases.

The representative continued: "We have always viewed the Nightingale hospitals as providing an important surge capacity.

“They are not required at the moment but they are still there and available to treat patients should that be required.

“We view it as an important capacity to have."

The Nightingale hospitals were originally erected during the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic in England during April in case the NHS was overwhelmed with the number of virus cases.

Only two of the hospitals in London and Manchester were ever required to treat coronavirus patients.