Police to prioritise "serious crimes and maintaining public order" in event of mass outbreak of coronavirus

Stretched police forces might only be equipped to deal with serious crimes and rioting in the event of a mass outbreak of coronavirus in Britain.
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 3rd Mar 2020, 11:19 BST
Updated 3rd Mar 2020, 13:28 BST
Boris Johnson speaking during a press conference on the government's coronavirus action plan at 10 Downing Street, London today (March 3). Pic credit: PA WireBoris Johnson speaking during a press conference on the government's coronavirus action plan at 10 Downing Street, London today (March 3). Pic credit: PA Wire
Boris Johnson speaking during a press conference on the government's coronavirus action plan at 10 Downing Street, London today (March 3). Pic credit: PA Wire

The Government said its plans for dealing with the spread of coronavirus in the UK means police would "concentrate on responding to serious crimes and maintaining public order" if they suffered large staff absences.

It also warned that the NHS could be closed to all but critical care, as part of the government's coronavirus pandemic plans.

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The plans also reveal that "in a stretching scenario", it is possible that up to one fifth of employees in all sectors "may be absent from work during peak weeks."

Two people wear masks in Parliament Square, Westminster, London as Prime Minister Boris Johnson reveals it is "highly likely" the UK will see a growing number of coronavirus cases. Pic credit: Kirsty O'Connor/PA WireTwo people wear masks in Parliament Square, Westminster, London as Prime Minister Boris Johnson reveals it is "highly likely" the UK will see a growing number of coronavirus cases. Pic credit: Kirsty O'Connor/PA Wire
Two people wear masks in Parliament Square, Westminster, London as Prime Minister Boris Johnson reveals it is "highly likely" the UK will see a growing number of coronavirus cases. Pic credit: Kirsty O'Connor/PA Wire

But the ministers' action plan to deal with a mass outbreak assured the public that emergency services all have "measures in place to fulfil critical functions".

But they would have to reduce services should significant numbers of police officers, NHS staff and other public services be struck down by the virus.

Lancashire Police has been approached for comment on its plans for a potential mass outbreak and whether its ability to fight crime will be affected.

The force said it was unable to comment at this stage.

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The government also confirmed plans were in place to draft in the Army, if necessary, to maintain public order.

The Government documents also warn that a possible outbreak or pandemic of Covid-19 could hit Britain in multiple waves.

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In hospitals, non-urgent operations and other procedures could be cancelled and hospital discharges ramped up to free up beds.

Hospital worker shifts could also be altered, and retired doctors, nurses and consultants called "back to duty".

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It further warns that the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus is new and people have a lack of immunity to it, meaning it has the potential to spread rapidly and extensively.

But Prime Minister Johnson said Britain "remains extremely well prepared as it has been since the outbreak began".

In Preston, a school in Fulwood had to be closed last week after a party of schoolchildren returned from a skiing trip in Italy.

There are currently 51 confirmed cases of coronavirus in England, including a person in Bury who fell ill after returning to the North West after visiting Italy.