The College of Policing has confirmed the Sergeant exams that are scheduled for Tuesday will go ahead following inquiries by officers on social media.

Meetings and a charity event have been cancelled by West Yorkshire Police as a precaution.

Brian Booth of West Yorkshire Police told Police Oracle that action was being taken to limit the chances of the virus being spread.

“I can say there is a great deal of work going on in the background to try and plan for every eventuality. Meetings are now being conducted electronically, rather than face-to-face and for those who are not essential front line, some have the opportunity to work agile.  This minimises the risk of spreading the virus unnecessarily across the workforce.”

“We’re cancelling a charity event that 160 people were due to attend because it’s the right thing to do,” he said.

Mr Booth said officers were limited in what they could do: "This pandemic is causing great concern in all aspects of Policing.  How do you try and provide a service when there is a distinct lack of safety equipment available? There are so many unanswered questions at this time, but what we must remember, my colleagues perform to their best in times like this."

He warned officers would have to make difficult decisions if the situation worsens: "The British Police Officer will always be there for those in need, it will come with challenges and I urge the public to understand that the service will have to concentrate on life and death issues and some other matters will be left unattended."  

The Home Office, the Police Federation and National Police Chiefs’ Council are still assessing how they will ensure officer safety while also setting in place measures including cancelling of leave.

National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter said: “PFEW will continue to work to ensure our members' wellbeing is protected, and they are kept informed, as this situation develops.”