POLICE could be restricted to dealing with only murders and killings if coronavirus stretches forces to breaking point, it was claimed today.
Plans drawn up by top cops show that resources would prioritise incidents involving loss of life if they had to.
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Leave could be cancelled and measures targeted towards tackling crime too, the Sunday Times reported.
Leaked documents which were circulated at the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) last week showed a worst-case scenario where “business as usual cannot be sustained”.
Priorities in a crisis would be “major, critical and emergency incidents, serious crime, firearms incidents, protecting vulnerable people, serious public order and fatal and serious road traffic collisions”, the paper said.
Up to one in five people could be off sick at any one time at the peak of the crisis, experts have already predicted.
Armed forces could have to back-fill positions if large numbers of emergency services personnel have to go off sick.
They could be drafted in to do jobs drive fire engines, ambulances and petrol tankers, customs jobs, air traffic control and hospital catering too.
The news comes as:
- The UK death toll yesterday shot up from 11 to 21 and there are now 1,140 positive cases for the disease
- Hancock confirmed that elderly people would be told to stay inside “in weeks” as the crisis continues
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Spain and Italy are on a 15-day lockdown with flights cancelled and tourists told to ‘stay indoors’
- The Health Secretary couldn’t guarantee that everyone who needs a ventilator will get one – as the PM asked Rolls Royce and JCB to build more
- The Queen has quit Buckingham Palace over coronavirus and has been whisked off to Windsor castle
- Pubs and restaurants could be shut like in Italy to stop the spread, as Matt Hancock refused to rule out extreme measures
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Hotels will be turned into hospitals and operating theatres packed with beds
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Families will be told to self-isolate together if just ONE shows symptoms
And the military could have to guard prisons if Brits are banned from visiting inmates – as it could prompt unrest across the country.
But ministers are said to be wary of drafting troops onto the streets unless it’s vitally needed.
As part of the Government’s battle plan last week sources said they would be asked to guard vital places including the Houses of Parliament and No10.
