Police given powers to arrest coronavirus victims in emergency plans to fight deadly bug

POLICE will be given the power to arrest coronavirus victims as the government unveils new crisis plans.

Authorities will also be granted powers to halt “any vehicle, train, vessel or aircraft” and close ports if immigration officers are struck down with the deadly bug.

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Police will now be able to arrest suspected coronavirus carriersCredit: PA Wire/PA Images

The new rules will allow “medical professionals, public health professionals and the police to … detain and direct individuals in quarantined areas at risk or suspected of having the virus.”

Chillingly, there are also measures to speed up cremations and burials, according to a draft seen by The Times.

All new powers will be unveiled Monday by No 10 as Boris reveals the next steps in his coronavirus game plan.

The changes follow Scotland, with authorities there already enabled to undertake such actions.

While in Northern Ireland and Wales a justice of the peace can grant officials the power to “isolate, detain or require individuals to undergo medical examination”.

The new plan will also say schools in England must stay open - despite mass calls from parents for them to close.
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Brits told to self-isolate for a week if they have a 'mild' cold or a cough

BRITS are being told to do their duty for the country's coronavirus effort and self-isolate for seven days if they have a mild cough or cold.

Anyone with even mild symptoms should not leave home for seven days from when their symptoms start to stop the virus spreading.

People staying at home for seven days should stay at least two metres away from people whenever possible, according to Public Health England's guidelines.

They should also sleep alone - as well as wash their hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water.

The emergency laws will be brought in in a bid to slow the deadly spread of coronavirus, which has now killed 11 people in the UK with 798 infected.

The legislation is in the works to be pushed through parliament in 14 days.

The laws will stay in place for two years as experts fear the majority of the population will be infected with the killer bug.

In a U-turn move, the Prime Minister will also follow Scotland and Ireland by banning gatherings of more than 500 people - less than 24 hours after he rejected the proposals.