Military delivers face masks to London hospitals

British army troops were delivering face masks and other protective equipment to health facilities in London on Tuesday.

The work was being carried out as part of the COVID-19 Support Force assisting the NHS (National Health Service) logistics chain.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the military had been brought in to help distribute the equipment because of the large scale of the logistical operation.

British health workers have been pleading for more protective equipment.

The risk to doctors, nurses and others on the front lines has become plain: Italy has seen at least 18 doctors with coronavirus die, while Spain reported that more than 3,900 health care workers have become infected, accounting for roughly 12% of the country's total cases.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.