Emergency legislation set to be passed by the UK Government will allow police to force people displaying symptoms of coronavirus into isolation.
The Government has set out new emergency powers to tackle the outbreak of cov-19 with the publication of a bill.
Under the proposed legislation, airports could be shut and people held on public health grounds, while immigration officials could place people in isolation.
The powers would be time-limited to two years under the proposals.
MPs plan to debate and vote through measures early next week.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the powers were “proportionate to the threat we face”.
The measures are expected to be fast-tracked through Parliament with the first debate on Monday – and MPs set to “nod them” through rather than proceeding through the voting lobbies as normal.
The government plans to rush through the 329-page emergency legislation by Monday.
One of its most draconian measures is that police could force people who are displaying symptoms of illness into isolation. The powers would be unprecedented.
Ports could also be shut with little warning. Protection for tenants from eviction will also be added to the bill.
There is little political disagreement on the content but some unease at Westminster about the length of the emergency – the laws would last up to two years.
The government insists the measures could be “switched on and off” based on medical advice.
Ministers say they hope this will not be necessary as people will act responsibly, adding that the legislation will “support and protect the public to do the right thing and follow public health advice”.
MPs will be able to suggest changes to the bill.
