For example, this could include business owners who
threaten self-isolating staff with redundancy if they
do not come to work, sending a clear message that this
will not be tolerated.
A number of steps will be taken to make sure that
people are complying with the rules, these include:
- NHS Test and Trace call handlers making regular
contact with those self-isolating, with the ability to
escalate any suspicion of non-compliance to Local
Authorities and local police;
- Using police resources to check compliance in
highest incidence areas and in high-risk groups, based
on local intelligence;
- Investigating and prosecuting high-profile and
egregious cases of non-compliance; and
- Acting on instances where third parties have
identified others who have tested positive, but are not
self-isolating.
Recognising that self-isolation is one of the most
powerful tools for controlling the transmission of
Covid-19, this new Test and Trace Support payment of
£500 will ensure that those on low incomes are able to
self-isolate without worry about their finances.
Just under 4 million people who are in receipt of
benefits in England will be eligible for this payment,
which will be available to those who are required to
self-isolate from 28 September.
Local Authorities will be working quickly to set up
these self-isolation support schemes and we expect them
to be in place by 12 October. Those who start to
self-isolate from 28 September will receive backdated
payments once the scheme is set up in their Local
Authority.
This financial support comes as the government places a
legal requirement on people to self-isolate when
instructed to by NHS Test and Trace and introduces
tougher fines for breaking the rules.
Many people are following the rules around
self-isolation, but these steps will make sure more do
and help ensure the public do not unknowingly spread
the virus.
The Prime Minister said:
The best way we can fight this virus is by everyone
following the rules and self-isolating if they’re at
risk of passing on coronavirus. And so nobody
underestimates just how important this is, new
regulations will mean you are legally obliged to do
so if you have the virus or have been asked to do so
by NHS Test and Trace.
People who choose to ignore the rules will face
significant fines. We need to do all we can to
control the spread of this virus, to prevent the most
vulnerable people from becoming infected, and to
protect the NHS and save lives.
And while most people are doing their absolute level
best to comply with the rules, I don’t want to see a
situation where people don’t feel they are
financially able to self-isolate.
That’s why we’re also introducing a new £500 Test and
Trace Support payment for those on low incomes who
are required by NHS Test and Trace to remain at home
to help stop the spread of the virus.
