So why are the schools still open?
We compare the UK’s strategy to response from other countries
Sir Patrick Vallance
POLICE AND ARMY
New powers will be unveiled today allowing police to detain people, or force them back into their homes, if they are infected and failing to isolate.
Chief constables must prioritise serious crime and time-sensitive investigations. Officers have had training to deal with rioting or looting, and troops are on standby. The Royal Logistics Corps is already helping councils, and Army drivers may be enlisted to keep supermarkets and petrol stations supplied.
Service personnel will be brought in to work emergency services if depletes staff numbers.
HOSPITALS
with the sickness
The Government has asked manufacturing firms to make ventilators. The UK currently only has about 5,000
– far fewer than Italy and Germany. The PM has ordered the NHS to buy up 8,000 private hospital beds, and hotels may be used as hospitals.
Elective operations, such as hip replacements, are cancelled and operating theatres are being prepared as intensive care units. Recently retired doctors will be asked to return and final year nursing and medical students will staff wards. Health chiefs think we are three weeks behind Italy, where hospitals are overwhelmed.
SOCIAL GATHERINGS
Everyone must avoid pubs, clubs,
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theatres and other social venues, and cease all unnecessary travel. The Government has effectively cancelled all mass gatherings and sporting events by saying it will no longer provide emergency workers. Scotland has advised against mass gatherings of more than 500 people. The Premier +2 +2 +17 +5 +20 +4 +6 +2 +2 +3
League has been suspended until April 4, along with top football in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and the Netherlands.
In France, gatherings of more than 100 people are banned. In New York, Broadway shows are shut for a month. St Patrick’s Day celebrations have been ditched throughout Ireland. Saudi Arabia has halted entry of pilgrims visiting holy sites.
In Spain, citizens are only allowed out to work, for emergencies or to buy food, with loudspeakers on police cars or drones telling them to go home.
In Geneva, Switzerland, gatherings of more than five people are banned.
SUPPORT FOR THE LOW-PAID
Those advised to self-isolate will get statutory sick pay of £95 a week. Agency, self-employed and gig economy workers are not eligible for SSP and fear Employment Support Allowance or Universal Credit are too