Coronavirus Bill: government given sweeping powers by new proposed legislation

A new “Emergency Coronavirus Bill” making its way through Parliament will give sweeping powers to police and other officials in the battle against Covid-19

The planned reforms grant police a much wider remit to surveil, arrest, and detain members of the public, and allow the government to shut down any premises, event or gathering anywhere in the country.

Critics of the government have labeled the proposals a threat to civil liberties, and raised concerns that MPs have been given only one day to scrutinise them.

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But Ministers say the bill, which has been tabled in the House of Commons on Thursday (19 March), gives them the powers they need to protect public health.

Police will receive new powers to arrest people.Police will receive new powers to arrest people.
Police will receive new powers to arrest people.

‘Help support frontline workers’

Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, said the sweeping powers the bill provides will “only be used when it is absolutely necessary”.

Professor Chris Whitty, the UK’s Chief Medical Officer, added: "The measures included in this Bill will help support our frontline workers, protect the public and delay the peak of the virus to the summer months when the NHS is typically under less pressure."

The “Emergency Coronavirus Bill”, which is likely to pass in the House of Commons, will also allow health officials to call former medical professionals out of retirement to help cope with the rising pressure on hospitals.

The government’s changing strategy

The proposed legislation comes amid a major change of direction in the government’s attempts to manage the UK’s coronavirus outbreak.

Downing Street’s previous strategy, which emphasised minimising disruption to the economy, had to be abandoned after modelling by Imperial College London predicted hundreds of thousands of deaths from the spread of Covid-19.

In response, the Prime Minister announced new social distancing measures, including asking anyone who is able to work from home to do so.

On Wednesday, Mr Johnson bowed to increasing pressure to close schools, but told the public that the children of key workers should still attend classes.

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Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, unveiled the Treasury’s £350 billion fiscal stimulus package, that included hundreds of billions of pounds of low interest loans for businesses whose incomes had been slashed by coronavirus.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But.similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Government advice

As of Monday 16 March the government advised that everyone should be observing social distancing - avoiding unnecessary travel and working from home where possible. Anyone with a cough or cold symptoms now needs to self-isolate with their entire household for 14 days. The government has also advised against going to the pub, out for dinner or partaking in any socialising with large groups. This has caused a number of closures across the country. Schools will close from Friday 20 March for the foreseeable future and exams have been cancelled.

The over 70s or anyone who is vulnerable or living with an underlying illness are being asked to be extra careful and stay at home to self-isolate.

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For more information on government advice, please check their website.

Should I avoid public places?

The advice now is to avoid public places and any non-essential travel. Travel abroad is also being advised against for the next 30 days at least, and many European countries have closed their borders.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Don’t go to your GP but instead call NHS 111 or look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next.

When to call NHS 111

NHS 111 should be used if you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms, have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS