Protection of public health
The Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 (as amended by the Health and Social Care Act 2008) contains regulation-making powers that enable a number of public health measures to be taken in situations such as the current COVID-19 outbreak. To increase consistency of the powers available across the UK the Act includes new powers which are broadly based on the existing powers that apply in England and Wales, in respect of Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is noted that the Scottish Ministers already have powers under the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 to make regulations to give effect to international agreements or arrangements, including World Health Organisation recommendations, and so that element is not covered in respect of new Scottish powers in the Act.