NEW emergency powers will allow police to hold people displaying symptoms of coronavirus for up to 48 hours.
The sweeping legislation – which could potentially stay in place for two years – looks set to pass through the Commons next week with little opposition.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has insisted the new powers will only be used if “absolutely necessary”.
All parties in Holyrood have also indicated that they will back the new laws through a legislative consent motion.
READ MORE: Coronavirus testing to quadruple in Scotland says Nicola Sturgeon
If the bill is passed it means those with the disease can be legally ordered by police to not attend work or stay in isolation.
They can be forbidden from travelling and will face a £1000 fine if they don’t comply.
Police will also be able to shut down pubs, restaurants, and even gatherings – anything from a house party to a concert.
Immigration officers will be given more limited powers to detain people of all nationalities. It also makes it easier to close ports and airports.
The 329-page legislation also cuts some of the red tape on a number of existing regulations.
The Bill will make it easier to expand morgues and speed up the process for organising funerals – current government modelling suggests around 50% of deaths will occur in a three week period.
The legislation also changes pension laws so that retired doctors and nurses can come back into the NHS without their entitlements suffering.
The bill will also introduce emergency volunteering leave to allow people to pause their main jobs for up to four weeks to volunteer with the NHS, councils and health and social care bodies.
READ MORE: MPs say £330bn Covid-19 support pledge should be a grant
Other measures include protection for tenants from eviction, and plans to allow court hearings to take place by phone or video.
Scotland’s Constitution Secretary, Michael Russell, said the measures in the Bill would “help enhance Scotland’s response” to the virus and “strengthen frontline services.”
He told MSPs the legislation had been developed through “close co-operation” between the UK government and all devolved administrations which was “unique and extraordinary given the virtual stand off on other legislation that has been the norm for the past three years”.
Health Secretary 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.”
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