| Act of Parliament | |
 | |
| Long title | An Act to consolidate certain enactments relating to the control of disease and to the establishment and functions of port health authorities, including enactments relating to burial and cremation and to the regulation of common lodging–houses and canal boats, with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 1984 c. 22 |
| Territorial extent | England and Wales |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 26 June 1984 |
| Commencement | 26 September 1984 |
Status: Amended | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| Revised text of statute as amended | |
ThePublic Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 (c. 22) is a piece of legislation for England and Wales which requires physicians to notify the 'proper officer' of the local authority of any person deemed to be suffering from anotifiable disease.[1][2] It also provides powers toisolate infected individuals to prevent the spread of such a disease. The act forms the basis of variouslegislation connected to theCOVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.[3]
The Act, originally enacted to address public health concerns, has been a critical tool in managing infectious diseases such as tuberculosis in the UK. Over the years, it has undergone several amendments to adapt to evolving public health needs and legal standards. One of the key provisions of the Act allows for the detention of individuals with tuberculosis to prevent the spread of the disease, a measure that has sparked significant debate. Critics argue that this provision may infringe on individual rights, particularly in light of the European Convention on Human Rights, which the UK joined in 2000. Despite these concerns, the Act has played a vital role in controlling outbreaks and protecting public health, though it continues to be scrutinized and discussed in legal and public health circles.[4][5][6][7]
This act was used as the legal basis for the regulations that put into force thestay at home order announced byBoris Johnson on 23 March 2020 in response to theCOVID-19 pandemic,[8] theHealth Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020.[9] TheHealth Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/350) later gave legal force to some of the 'lockdown' rules that had been announced.[9]
Misinformation about the act circulated online during the COVID-19 pandemic.[10] This included claims that it had been amended to mandateCOVID-19 vaccination; according toFull Fact, the act does not provide any power to mandate any treatment or vaccination.[11]
The full text ofPublic Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 at Wikisource  | This article relating tolaw in the United Kingdom, or its constituent jurisdictions, is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
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