MPs are set to take part in Commons proceedings remotely when Parliament returns next week, although around 50 at a time will still be able to sit on the green benches in the Palace of Westminster.
The Commons will use the online video conference system Zoom to allow 120 MPs to take part in proceedings remotely while those who continue to attend the UK Parliament will obey strict social distancing rules.
Experts from the National Cyber Security Centre have told the Commons authorities the use of Zoom will be appropriate for the hearings as long as the application's use is carefully managed.
The unprecedented step towards a "hybrid" House was taken by the Commons Commission to keep parliamentary democracy going during the coronavirus crisis.
The plan still needs to be approved by MPs when Parliament returns from the Easter break next Tuesday.
The Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who chairs the commission, said: "By initiating a hybrid solution, with steps towards an entirely virtual Parliament, we are enabling members to stay close to their communities, while continuing their important work scrutinising the Government.
"I do not want members and House staff putting themselves at risk. By working virtually, this is our contribution to the guidance of stay home, protect the NHS and save lives," he added.
If the new measures are agreed, it will mean from Wednesday April 22 some MPs will be able to take part in Prime Minister's Questions, any urgent questions and statements via video link for the first two hours of each sitting day.
If the system works, it could be extended at a later date so that MPs can take part in debates on motions and legislation from home.
But it will also be up to MPs to decide on any shift to a system of remote voting.
A number of screens will be placed around the Commons chamber to allow the Speaker and MPs in Westminster to be able to see their homeworking colleagues.
Those joining by Zoom will be expected not to display or draw attention to objects to illustrate their contributions, following the same rules as MPs in Parliament.
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here