The UK has announced it has waived import duties on the medical products necessary to fight coronavirus in a bid to ensure equipment gets to frontline healthcare staff more quickly.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the rule change means NHS suppliers will no longer have to pay customs duty and import VAT of up to 12 per cent on products including ventilators, protective clothing and tests for the virus.

This should mean a more rapid and steady flow of supplies into Britain as the number of cases continues to spike, with the figure for those having tested positive now having passed the 30,000 mark.

Mr Sunak said: "We are taking decisive action to ensure our NHS has everything it needs to fight this outbreak. Dealing with coronavirus is a collective national effort and I will do everything I can to help us win this battle."

The new measures will be in place until July 31st 2020.

It comes after the Eurasian Economic Commission also announced last month that it will lower import duties on a range of products needed to treat coronavirus infection.