Guidance

Coronavirus Bill: what it will do

Measures contained in the fast-tracked coronavirus legislation and why they are needed to effectively manage the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Published: 17 March 2020
• Last updated: 26 March 2020 — See all updates

This publication was withdrawn on 1 April 2022

This page has been withdrawn because it’s no longer current. Read more about living safely with coronavirus (COVID-19).

Documents

[Withdrawn] What the Coronavirus Bill will do

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Details

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has identified that to effectively manage a coronavirus outbreak in the UK, we need to introduce new fast-tracked legislation. This will provide us with the legal measures to be able to implement our phased response.

This paper sets out, subject to final approvals, the elements of the new legislation and why they are needed.

COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March. DHSC has a clear plan for a phased response, guided by clinical and scientific advice, as set out in the coronavirus action plan.

26 March update

The Coronavirus Act 2020 has now become law and is available on legislation.gov.

Published 17 March 2020
Last updated 26 March 2020 + show all updates

1. 26 March 2020

   Added link to the Coronavirus Act 2020.

2. 17 March 2020

   First published.