UK criticized for slow testing, lack of protective gear

LONDON (AP) — The British government came under sustained criticism Wednesday for being slow in ramping up its testing program of the coronavirus and for failing to deliver enough personal protective equipment to front-line workers in hospitals and in nursing homes. Ministers struggled to regain the initiative over their handling of the crisis, which has seen more than 17,000 people die in hospitals after contracting the virus and potentially thousands more die at home or in nursing homes. Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition Labour Party, said a “pattern is emerging,” with the Conservative government “slow” in putting the country into lockdown, in testing for the virus and getting medical workers the protective gear they need.