Ministers Given Emergency Powers to Tackle Coronavirus in New Bill
The government is fast-tracking emergency powers to fight the coronavirus outbreak. Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed Parliament will see the new Coronavirus Bill this week. The goal? Make sure ministers can act swiftly and smartly to protect the public and support the NHS.
Swift Action to Protect Lives and NHS
The bill is temporary and only kicks in when strictly necessary. Its powers aim to:
- Contain and slow the virus spread
- Easing red tape and regulations
- Boost NHS and social care staff flexibility
- Manage the deceased respectfully
- Encourage the public to follow health advice
One major boost: retired NHS workers and social care staff can return to 1 without pension penalties. Plus, NHS staff get state-backed 1 if they take on unfamiliar roles.
Cutting Red Tape & Backing Volunteers
The bill slashes paperwork so doctors can free up beds faster. Volunteers helping in health and care settings get employment protections that let them pause their main jobs for up to 4 weeks, with compensation for lost earnings. This could help over 3 million existing volunteers jump in.
Extra Measures to Handle the Crisis
- Police and immigration officers given power to enforce quarantines and detain those as needed
- Statutory sick pay from day one for those self-isolating, even without symptoms
- Small businesses can reclaim sick pay costs from HMRC
- More video or phone court hearings to limit virus spread
- Border Force can close airports or transport hubs temporarily if understaffed
The bill lets the UK governments turn these powers on and off, based on advice from the Chief Medical Officers.
Government Pledges Support and Urges Cooperation
Matt Hancock said:
“We are doing everything we can to protect lives and support the NHS, guided by the best scientists and clinicians in the world. The new measures we will be introducing in the Emergency Coronavirus Bill this week will only be used when it is absolutely necessary and must be timed to maximise their effectiveness, but crucially they give the government the powers it needs to protect lives.”
He added:
“By planning for the worst and working for the best we will get through this, but this is a national effort and we must all work together ‒ from businesses prioritising the welfare of their employees, to people thoroughly washing their hands.”
Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Chris Whitty stressed the importance of science in decision-making:
“Our approach to responding to this outbreak has and will remain driven by the scientific and clinical evidence so we do the right thing at the right time. 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.”
He urged everyone to do their bit:
“It is important everyone continues to play their part by avoiding non-essential contact and travel as well as washing their hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water.”
