Johnson ready to block sports events if virus takes hold

Bloomberg

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil a suite of emergency measures to tackle coronavirus after he was criticised for not doing enough to prepare for the spread of the disease.
Schools could be closed and sports and music events cancelled if needed to protect the public, Johnson told the BBC. He was expected to appear alongside Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and lead science adviser Patrick Vallance at a rare news conference to announce his plans.
“It is highly likely coronavirus will spread more widely in the coming days and weeks, which is why we’re making every possible preparation,” Johnson said in an emailed statement. “If the virus should spread, we are ready to take necessary steps to contain it and protect the most vulnerable.”
The plan, which has been agreed with devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, will set out measures to halt the spread of the virus, Johnson’s office said. Work and social activities could be curtailed among steps to prevent transmission of the disease, which has so far been confirmed in 39 UK patients.
Johnson said banning large gatherings was one of a number of “calibrated” responses ministers might use if needed. “The issue will be when and how and with what logic to, to deploy them,” he told BBC TV. “At the moment, I should stress that it should be business as usual.”

‘Firm Action’
Measures announced so far include plans to bring health-care professionals out of retirement to treat the sick and relaxing rules on class sizes to allow schools to stay open if teachers become ill. Truckers would also be allowed to work longer hours to make sure vital drugs can move around the country
Emergency laws will be introduced to the House of Commons later this month to give government the powers it says it needs to tackle an outbreak, Johnson’s office said. Ministers plan to fast track the legislation through Parliament so it will be in place before the number of cases peaks.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak will include financial support for public health efforts in his budget next week, the Treasury said, and his office is working with the Bank of England to respond to the threat to the UK economy from the continued spread of the virus.
“We are taking firm action to support your families, your businesses and the public services on which you rely,” Sunak said in an email. “We are well prepared for this global threat and, as the wider economic picture becomes clearer, we stand ready to announce further support where needed.”