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Mass gatherings in the UK could be banned within days as the Government looks at beefing up its fight to slow the spread of coronavirus.

A Whitehall source said emergency legislation bringing in increased powers will be published next week and there could also be a move towards more people working from home.

It follows criticism that the government has not taken steps similar to some European countries as the pandemic worsens.

Eleven people who have contracted covid-19 have died in the UK, and there have been 798 confirmed cases since January 31.

A Whitehall source said: “Ministers are working with the chief scientific adviser and chief medical officer on our plan to stop various types of public event, including mass gatherings, beginning next week.

“We are also talking to businesses and other bodies about the timing of moving towards much more widespread working from home.

“There are many complex considerations to make all these measures as effective as possible.

“We will make the right decisions at the right time based on the best scientific evidence.

“We have drafted emergency legislation to give the government the powers it needs to deal with coronavirus, including powers to stop mass gatherings and compensate organisations.

“We will publish this legislation next week.”

The Times reported the laws could also give police and immigration officers to detain people if they are suspected of being infected and the ability to direct schools to stay open.

The newspaper said the laws could remain in place for two years.

It comes following a day of dramatic developments on Friday:

The UK’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance had previously said while it is “eye-catching” to order the cancellation of mass gatherings and sporting events, the chances of contracting the disease by attending such occasions are slim.

Writing for the Evening Standard on Friday, former health secretary Jeremy Hunt piled pressure on ministers to move swiftly towards tougher action to stop the spread of the disease.

The Whitehall source said officials are “concerned about the burden large events put on public services – including the health service and the police – from dealing with coronavirus”.

Sir Patrick has explained that the Government is hoping its approach to tackling coronavirus will create a “herd immunity” to the disease.

PA Media contributed to this report