Authorities considering ‘drastic’ measures to cope with contagion’s impact
A SERIES of drastic measures which will have a profound impact on everyday life are expected to be brought in over the coming weeks.
New Government plans could see schools and pubs close, the Army called in and all over-70s may have to self-isolate for four months.
Here is a list of the plans:
SELF ISOLATION FOR OVER-70s
Elderly people will be told to self-isolate for four months to combat the coronavirus outbreak
– even if they are not ill.
The move could be enforced in the next 20 days and would form part of a series of measures unprecedented in peacetime Britain.
The Government is concerned that some older people could die at home from neglect after they are quarantined, so wants to start the self-isolation as late as possible.
However, the Scottish Government said it was not planning on isolating the elderly but would instead be “asking them to reduce social contact”.
SOCIAL EVENTS
All pubs will close temporarily, according to the leaked UK Government plans.
Bars and restaurants also face shutting their doors some time after next weekend when the ban on mass public gatherings is enforced.
The idea of closing pubs is being supported by many, who say it will encourage social distancing which could aid the fight against the virus.
HOSPITALS
Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered the NHS to buy up thousands of private hospital beds as the coronavirus death toll doubled.
It means 8,000 private hospital beds will be used to relieve pressure on the NHS in England.
The plan to pay the private sector £300 a day for a bed followed demands by Shadow Health
Secretary Jonathan Ashworth and the GMB union.
Other measures being planned include hotels and other buildings being used as temporary hospitals, privately-run hospitals being converted into emergency medical care centres and commissioning several companies to make respirators that can keep acutely ill victims alive.
The PM has told health equipment firms to move heaven and earth to churn out as many