THE GOVERNMENT have set out a range of emergency powers to help it tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Police and immigration officers could get extra quarantine powers and airports could be forced to close under the legislation, which is due to come into effect by the end of the month.

The powers would be limited to two years, with MPs set to debate and vote on them early next week.

The legislation sets out five key areas the government believe would help them in "containing and slowing the virus".

These include giving government the power to "restrict or prohibit events and gathering during the pandemic in any place, vehicle, train, vessel or aircraft, any movable structure and any offshore installation and, where necessary, to close premises".

It also allows the government to close schools and childcare providers, whilst postponing the local elections due to take place this year. They'll now take place in 2021.

As well as these measures, it will be easier for the NHS to bring recently-retired staff back to the frontline, as well as students who are near the end of their training.

Administration work for frontline staff will be reduced, whilst local authorities will be able to prioritise care for the most vulnerable people.

The government will also try and enable the death management system to cope with the increase, whilst the government's pledge to introduce statutory sick pay from day one will be included.

Additionally, court hearings could take place by phone or video link, and the Border Force could temporarily suspend operations at transport hubs.

The bill also gives unprecedented powers to law enforcement agencies to detain people and put them in isolation facilities.