Boxer Amir Khan offers building to treat coronavirus patients

LONDON: British-Pakistani boxer Amir Khan has offered his under-construction building in London to be converted into a makeshift hospital amid coronavirus outbreak.

The boxer offered the four-storey building to UK’s National Health Service (NHS) to accommodate COVID-19 patients as part of fight against the virus. The building was supposed to be a wedding hall and retail venue but the boxer had offered it at a tragic time. The United Kingdom is among the worst affected countries from the coronavirus and has imposed a strict lockdown.

“I am aware of how difficult it is for the public to get a hospital bed in this tragic time. I am prepared to give my 60,000 square foot 4 story building which is due to be a wedding hall and retail outlet to the @NHSuk to help people affected by the coronavirus. Please keep safe,” the boxer tweeted.

I am aware of how difficult it is for the public to get a hospital bed in this tragic time. I am prepared to give my 60,000 square foot 4 story building which is due to be a wedding hall and retail outlet to the @NHSuk to help people affected by the coronavirus. Pls keep safe. pic.twitter.com/MSpaEwPFuw

— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) March 25, 2020

Meanwhile, a makeshift hospital is being built in London which will accommodate 4,000 patients. Around 500 ventilators will be available at the facility. The ExCel centre in London is being converted into this hospital which will only treat coronavirus patients.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged public to ‘stay home’ and stop the spread of Covid-19. More than 400,o00 people have signed up to be NHS volunteers following a call for help.

Figures released from NHS England show there were 28 deaths over the latest recorded 24-hour period, bringing the coronavirus death toll in England to 414. There have also been 22 deaths so far in Scotland, 22 in Wales and seven in Northern Ireland, according to the latest available figures.

The Prince of Wales has tested positive for coronavirus, becoming the most high-profile member of the British royalty to contradict the disease. Prince Charles, aged 71, displaying mild symptoms but remains in good health, a spokesman said, adding that the Duchess of Cornwall has been tested but does not have the virus.