Coronavirus in the UK: Police to get powers to detain people suspected of having Covid-19 under emergency law The new legislation will also allow the government to force schools or nurseries to stay open if they’re closed by staff during the pandemic

As efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus continue, new emergency laws mean police will be able to detain those suspected of having coronavirus.

The new legislation is part of a package of powers due to be introduced in parliament next week, as the number of citizens infected with coronavirus across the UK surged to 798 on Friday.

According to The Times, police and immigration officers will be able to detain people “for a limited period” if they’re suspected of being infected – while the new laws will also allow the government to force schools and nurseries to stay open if they’re closed by teachers or staff during the pandemic.

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Additionally, the government can stop “any vehicle, train, vessel or aircraft”, and shut down ports if there are “insufficient resources” to ensure border security staff in customs and immigration officers do not contract coronavirus.

The emergency laws will remain in effect for two years, according to the newspaper.

New powers

This new legislation follows the government’s U-turn in banning mass gatherings of more than 500 people, such as concerts, festivals and large sports events, amidst calls for tougher action to tackle coronavirus.

Other powers will see councils permitted to lower standards in care homes to accommodate limited staff numbers.

Regulations around deaths will also be stripped back.

Doctors will no longer be required to see the body of the deceased before issuing a death certificate. Senior health professionals other than doctors will be permitted to sign off death certificates themselves, and the necessity for coroners to hold jury inquests will also be removed.

Regarding cremations and burials, the government said in a draft: “In a reasonable worst-case scenario the death management industry will be rapidly overwhelmed. There is a significant gap in body storage requirements to ensure we are prepared.”

Stripped back care

It’s estimated one in 12 people over 80 who catch coronavirus will die, and local authorities will be able to provide a reduced level of care to the elderly in care homes, providing it does not constitute “serious neglect or harm”.

This could manifest as giving people support with washing or cooking once, as opposed to twice, a day. Such legislation is meant to safeguard local authorities from being legally challenged if they do not fulfil statutory duties.

However, amidst concerns about the high fatality levels in the elderly population, care home visitors will still be allowed.

The new laws mean registration requirements for doctors, social workers and pharmacists will be less stringent, to allow those who have retired recently to rejoin the workforce. Likewise, care workers who have almost completed their qualifications will be allowed to register.

The terms of the Mental Health Act will be relaxed so fewer doctors are needed in clinics and can instead be sent to assist hospitals.