Government sets out coronavirus ‘battle plan’

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out the government’s action plan to tackle the developing spread of the coronavirus.

The new plan, agreed by all four parts of the UK, sets out how ministers will take every reasonable step to confront the virus, consistent with the best scientific evidence, and ensure the government is able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

Johnson, who recently warned that there could be ‘significant expansion’ in UK cases, said that police may need to focus on only responding to the most serious crimes and maintaining public order if the virus spreads, while the army could also provide support to emergency services if needed.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Parliament that the number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the UK stands at 51.

Powers have already been given to police, public health professionals and courts to enforce isolation on individuals. The plan suggests that local authorities in England can apply to the courts to enforce quarantine and medical examination, restricting movement of individuals known to have or have been exposed to the disease.

Part of the ‘battle plan’ also includes every government department having a designated Ministerial virus lead to oversee the response to the global threat of the virus, and a war room set up in the Cabinet Office, bringing together communications experts and scientists from across government and the NHS to roll out the public information campaign.

As previously mooted, the government is looking at emergency registration of health professionals who have retired, the introduction of emergency indemnity coverage for health care workers to provide care or diagnostic services and relaxation of rules around staff to pupil ratios in education and childcare settings. Under the plan, health and social care services will work together to support early discharge from hospital, and to look after people in their own homes.
 
A major public information campaign will be launched soon setting out clear steps the public can take to limit the spread of the virus, including washing their hands regularly with soap and water.