Payment to be given to people on low incomes isolating in high-risk areas

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Payment will soon be given to people on low incomes, that are self isolating in areas that are deemed to be high risk from coronavirus, the government has announced. Those eligible for the scheme will be paid £182 if they are forced to self isolate for 14 days with a payment of £130 for those who have to quarantine for 10 days. The scheme will be trialled in Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle and Oldham, which have all had extra coronavirus measures imposed, with money also given to those who are contacted through the NHS Test and Trace programme. It will be available to people receiving Universal Credit or Working Tax Credits and help those that are unable to work from home after they, or someone in their household, test positive for coronavirus.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said, the British public have already sacrificed a great deal to help slow the spread of the virus. Self-isolating if you have tested positive for Covid-19, or have come into contact with someone who has, remains vital to keeping on top of local outbreaks. This new payment scheme will help people on low incomes and who are unable to work from home to continue playing their part in the national fight against this virus.

Payments will be made 48 hours after evidence of having to self-isolate is provided and the scheme will be quickly assessed to see if it helps slow the transmission of Covid-19 in high-risk areas.