From Lockdown to Knockdown - New governement powers allow demolition of infected buildings

[Amity Island]

I'm not sure of the "science" behind this? but local councils now have the ability to knockdown houses or other properties that have become infected with covid19.


"Earlier this week it was revealed new powers given to local councils to tackle outbreaks included the ability to demolish contaminated homes and crush cars as a last resort in a bid to stop a second wave."

"However, Mr Ward said the county was “a long way away” from those kinds of extremities."

“We’ll look at the powers available and national guidance available as necessary if we get to the stage of contaminated properties.

“But we are a long way away from anything this extreme in Lincolnshire – where we continue to have a relatively low transmission of the disease and a robust, well established health protection system in place.”

Health chiefs monitoring situation as virus cases surge near Lincs

They've spiked in the last week

www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk

 

[mikeyB]

Erm...what's wrong with spraying the place with Dettol? And which particular scientific advisor suggested that as an idea? Since when did Covid infect bricks and mortar? This has got to be a wind up, surely?

They didn't even do that in Africa as part of the control of Ebola, a deadly disease which coronavirus isn’t.

 

[mikeydt1]

i saw this the other day, sounds like total craziness is setting in. what is wrong with doing what others countries do from street cleansing to sanitising homes. i know when people move out here they get a team in to do a deep steam clean.

 

[Thebearcametoo]

The only thing I can think is that it will be used alongside reduced planning laws to clear some of the poorer housing and replace it with luxury flats or to tear down industrial buildings (like those used in the garment industry) and redevelop those areas.

 

[Robin]

It may not be necessary for infection control, but what a threat to have in your armoury if you’re a council trying to stop people who persistently ignore the rules and do things like cramming 200 people into a small house for a party in the middle of a second wave.

 

[Amity Island]

The only thing I can think is that it will be used alongside reduced planning laws to clear some of the poorer housing and replace it with luxury flats or to tear down industrial buildings (like those used in the garment industry) and redevelop those areas.

That caught my attention too. This news story came out at same time as the revision of the planning regulations, to allow demolition of the retail, restaurant and offices which will become empty as a result of using a lockdown to deal with the coronavirus so those buildings can be used for residential schemes.

 

[Amity Island]

I've read that the virus can linger on hard surfaces for up to 72 hours. Surely if the property is left empty for a few days any viruses on any surfaces will have perished.

You've got the nail on the head!