Sweeping emergency powers to help combat the coronavirus pandemic have become law.

The Coronavirus Bill cleared the Lords without amendment and was granted Royal Assent.

It was rushed through both House of Parliament in just three days as growing numbers of people became infected with the virus.

The unprecedented legislation grants ministers, councils, police, health professionals and coroners wide-ranging powers that are due to last for up to two years,

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The changes include reducing the number of doctors required to sign off on sectioning those with mental health issues from two to one, while police would be given authority to force those infected with Covid-19 to self-isolate.

Health Minister Lord Bethell expressed his “profound thanks” to those involved with the Bill and ensuring its swift passage through Parliament, including other political parties, who he said had “worked in a collaborative and supportive way during this whole process”.

He added: “I would like to thank those who work in Parliament and House of Lords who are here today at considerable risk to themselves and have displayed amazing commitment to this remarkable organisation.”

Opposition frontbencher Baroness Thornton said it had been a “perfect exercise in consultation and work across the House”.