By James Simons-
People who refuse to self-isolate now risk fines of up to £10,000, as new fines and restrictions came into force across parts of the UK.
Those who test positive for Covid-19 will also be fined if they knowingly provide false information about close contacts to the test and trace service, the government has said.
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Under the new rules, police will check compliance in the highest incidence areas and in high-risk groups based on “local intelligence”.
The Department Of Health said that high profile and “egregious” cases of non-compliance will be investigated and prosecuted while action will be taken on tip-offs from “third parties” about people who have tested positive but are not self-isolating.
The government said those on lower incomes who cannot work from home and have lost income as a result, will also be eligible for a new £500 Test and Trace Support Payment.
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Local authorities will be working quickly to set up Test and Trace Support Payment schemes and we expect them to be in place by 12 October. Those who are told to self-isolate from today will receive backdated payments, if they are eligible, once the scheme is set up in their local authority.
John Apter, the National Chair of the Police Federation, warned officers are already “struggling” to enforce the existing measures.
“We can’t be everywhere for everybody at the same time,” he said. Local lockdown measures are now in force in Wigan, Stockport, Blackpool and Leeds.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said:
”Anyone can catch coronavirus and anyone can spread it. We all have a crucial part to play in keeping the number of new infections down and protecting our loved ones.
As cases rise it is imperative we take action, and we are introducing a legal duty to self-isolate when told to do so, with fines for breaches and a new £500 support payment for those on lower incomes who can’t work from home while they are self-isolating.
These simple steps can make a huge difference to reduce the spread of the virus, but we will not hesitate to put in place further measures if cases continue to rise.
A number of steps will also be taken to make sure that people are complying with the rules including NHS Test and Trace call handlers increasing contact with those self-isolating.
Police will be checking 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
acting on instances where third parties have identified others who have tested positive but are not self-isolating.
Tools
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.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
”These new measures are about saving lives. Everyone must take personal responsibility and self-isolate if they test positive or if told to do so by NHS Test and Trace.
For those who fail to do so, the police will enforce the law. These new fines are a clear sign that we will not allow those who break the rules to reverse the hard-won progress made by the law-abiding majority.
Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:
”Councils across the country are working at pace to set up new self-isolation support payment schemes and ensure people in their communities have the information and advice they need to stay safe and reduce the spread of the virus.
Since the start of the pandemic councils have played a crucial role in supporting businesses and their communities, and I want to thank them for their hard work as they roll out this new support for those who need to self-isolate.
Fines will also be introduced from today for those breaching self-isolation rules, starting at £1,000, in line with the existing penalty for breaking quarantine after international travel. This could increase to up to £10,000 for repeat offences and the most serious breaches, including for those preventing others from self-isolating.
Employers who force or allow staff to come to work when they should be self-isolating will also be liable for fines of up to £10,000, sending a clear message that this will not be tolerated.
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