A SENIOR officer says Cleveland Police has “tried and tested” plans to cope with rising demand due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Emergency laws are expected to be passed by the government next week to cope with the deadly virus – with powers to place people in “appropriate isolation facilities”.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Graham said the Covid-19 outbreak was a “rapidly developing situation” – and the force was committed to “doing everything it could” to provide a service the public would expect.

He said: “The force has tried and tested plans in place that ensure continuity of policing during times of capacity issues or increased demand.

“I am confident that Cleveland Police is in a strong position to support the UK’s response to Covid-19.

“We have plans in place to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on the organisation and we are working closely with local partners, the government and Public Health England – from whom we continue to take a lead.”

Emergency laws are expected to be nodded through Parliament next week with powers to enable police and immigration officials to place people in “appropriate isolation facilities”.

More court hearings could also take place by phone or video link.

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger will be in post until 2021 after elections were postponed due to the virus.

He said the outbreak was a global health emergency and would take “many months to overcome”.

And the Labour commissioner revealed he would “explore options” for finding extra funds to cope in Cleveland.

Mr Coppinger added: “Our approach to it needs to be calm and fact-based.

“My general position is that the government should fund whatever measures are necessary to protect life and slow the spread of infection.

“Where further funds may be needed, I will discuss the options available to us with the Chief Constable and our financial teams.”

Public bodies are working around the clock to cope with the anticipated demands on health and social care as the virus spreads.

The Cleveland “Local Resilience Forum” – an emergency unit which helps organisations deal with crises – has kicked into action.

Mr Coppinger said ensuring vulnerable people and victims of crime had access to vital service were the priorities.

He added: – “I’ve reached out personally to our commissioned services to ensure they have what they need to keep providing a lifeline to those most in need.

“I’ll also be engaging with leaders of criminal justice organisations such as courts and prisons – to understand how the system can continue to operate under these unique circumstances.

“My office is taking sensible precautions to avoid the spread of this virus and I would urge all local businesses to do the same.”