The Government has published its action
plan around the outbreak of the Coronavirus. The police
service continues to work closely with the Government and Public
Health England.
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for civil contingencies,
Deputy Chief Constable Paul Netherton, said:
“We are working closely with the Government and Public Health
England in the response to the Covid-19 Coronavirus. Police
forces are working with their partners at a local level to plan
for, and respond to, issues raised by Covid-19.
“While we are not anticipating a worst-case scenario, we are
preparing for it, as the public would want us to do.
“If required, we have tried and tested plans that ensure
continuity of policing during times of capacity issues or
increased demand. These plans can include moving officers around
the country, changing shift patterns and the use of the Special
Constabulary.
“I’m confident the police service is in a strong position to
support the UK’s response to Covid-19. This is a rapidly
developing situation and we continue to take a lead from the
Government and Public Health England.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
- Guidance to first responders from Public Health England was
shared with police officers and staff last month
and is
available here.
- Emergency legislation allowing the detention of those at risk
of Coronavirus who refuse isolation was
published by the government last month. It gives the police
powers to use force to return someone to isolation if they
refuse to follow the instructions of a medical professional.
This power will only be used in close cooperation with Public
Health England and medical professionals. The default position
is not to arrest and no one will be taken to police custody.
They will be returned to a place of isolation for further
medical treatment.
- Police have a tried and tested national plans to respond to
times of increase demand and reduced capacity. These plans
including the use of mutual aid, cancellation of rest days and
leave, changing to 12 hour shift patterns and utilising the
Special Constabulary.
- We do not anticipate any serious public order issues as a
result of the Coronavirus.