Britain unveiled its ‘battle plan’ to tackle the spread of coronavirus on Tuesday, shortly after warns that as many as a fifth of employees could be off work at the peak of the outbreak.
The plan includes possible school closures, home working and cancelling large-scale gatherings, Reuters reports.
Meanwhile, businesses could be given extra time to pay their taxes if they are facing short-term cash flow issues.
This aims to delay the peak of the outbreak until the summer, when the weather is warmer, allowing also more time for the development of vaccines.
As of Tuesday, the UK has 39 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson noting it was “highly likely” the country would see a growing number of cases.
The remarks were made at a news conference alongside England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and the government’s Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance.
Other possible options include discouraging unnecessary travel as part of what it called a “social distancing” strategy, delaying non-urgent health care, and drafting in health professionals who have retired.
If staff shortages impact emergency services such as the police force, they will focus on responding to serious crimes and maintaining public order.
In addition, Johnson said the army was ready to step in and provide back up to the police if needed.
With respect to the above, the government will launch a major public information campaign later this week, setting out steps people can take to limit the spread of the virus.
Also, Johnson’s office said it would publish legislation which would give the government necessary powers to prepare for and tackle the outbreak.
