The doctor who warned against relaxing the Covid-19 lockdown is trying to raise £1m for the families of NHS staff who have died after treating others for the virus.

In the UK, it was announced that the families of NHS England and Wales front line staff who have died from Covid-19 would receive £60,000.

Dr Martin Rankin, who works for the Manx Emergency Doctors’ Service, shared his latest video after completing his night shift this morning.

Speaking in a private capacity, Dr Rankin said he has not had a day off since March 8 but that last night ’was quite a good night’.

He said: ’We’ve had some amazingly good news recently. We’ve got our outbreak of coronavirus under control.

After showing a copy of the latest trend graph for the island’s Covid-19 cases, Dr Rankin said he and his fellow professionals ’are delighted’.

Dr Rankin added: ’I’m speaking as someone who’s seen cases and been involved with this all the way through.

’I’ve got to say, it’s been really heartening to hear the clapping and the banging of saucepans on Thursdays but we’ve got to think about the people who been affected by this that have cared for victims of this evil disease.

’In the United Kingdom, more than 80 doctors, nurses and healthcare and social care workers, they’re all part of the team, have actually died as a result of trying to help others with this disease.

’The [UK] government is offering them £60,000, clearly that’s inadequate, especially when you’re talking about replacing who may be the main bread winner in the family.

’I’d like you to help me raise some money for them.’

Dr Rankin has set the target of £1m which would be divided between the families of all NHS staff who have died and will die while treating others. He started off the fundraiser by donating £100 himself.

The Go Fund Me page can be found at:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/families-of-health-careworkers-died-from-covid19?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet .