The UK Coronavirus Act: What Does This Mean?
As the picture changes daily, even hourly, the British government and healthcare professionals are working hard to stem the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. One way that this is evident is in the new emergency Coronavirus Bill, which became law, and therefore known as the Coronavirus Act, on 25th March after the publication of the initial coronavirus action plan earlier in the month on 3rd March.
But what is the Act exactly? And how does this affect UK residents while the virus is active? To help answer these questions and more, here is a look at what the Act is, what it involves, and what the desired result will be.
What is the Coronavirus Bill?
The first sitting for the Coronavirus Bill was on 25th March and by the end of the same day, the Bill had been granted royal assent to be passed into law. The Emergency Coronavirus Act gives police, immigration officers and public health officials the power to detain and place potentially infections people into isolation. It is also the Act that has given these official enforcement officers the power to both restrict and ban public events and social gatherings.
These powers are all designed to prevent the further spread of Covid-19, the coronavirus that continues to affect countries across the world. The Act itself has been drawn up to be in effect for two years, but there is a general consensus that this will be reviewed, debated and voted on every six months in line with the progress made and changes brought about by the virus.
What does the Act mean for UK citizens?
This Act is designed to protect lives. It is supported by the Human Rights Act, which protects our right to life, meaning that the government is obliged to take the necessary actions to protect us from Covid-19 – this is where the Act comes in.
As an everyday member of the public, there are some elements of the Coronavirus Act that may seem controversial – specifically the powers given to the authorities listed earlier to arrest those perceived to be infectious. This means that if a police officer thinks that someone is infectious, they can place them in isolation and send them to be tested for the virus. The fine for not complying is up to £1,000.
While on the surface, this can look heavy-handed and does, in fact, impact on our right to liberty, the European Court of Human Rights has allowed these measures to be included. But these can only be enforced if detaining the person is the only option, the person is a danger to the health of the public, and any less severe measures taken haven’t worked.
The Act also means that our ports and airports can be closed if the government thinks that needs to happen. Again, this can impact on our rights – this time, our right to a family life – but again, the argument is that it’s to protect the health of the public.
What about public gatherings?
Similarly, the Act allows the restriction of events and public gatherings. For UK citizens, this means everything from not being able to go to a gig to no being able to meet with friends in the park. As before, the main argument for enforcing this part of the Act is to curb the spread of the coronavirus and keep people safe.
How does the Act help patients?
Ultimately, the Coronavirus Act has been created to keep the British public safe, but it’s also there to help keep patients and the NHS safe too.
In line with the NHS Long Term Plan, this Act is designed to support NHS staff. Covid-19 is placing these workers under intense pressure, but by empowering the police and other officials to prevent public gatherings, therefore reducing the chance of the disease spreading, NHS workers stand a better chance of being able to meet the needs of patients.
In addition, the Long-Term Plan helps to deal with any future medical negligence cases that can arise from this current situation. This is supported by the provision of indemnity for clinical negligence liabilities arising from the NHS activities.
What next?
As the picture continues to change, there is the possibility that the Coronavirus Act will evolve when it is reviewed in six months’ time. Where we will be in September will be reflected in the powers granted to police and other enforcement agencies, as well as by the powers that are removed.
