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Low earners who need to self-isolate with Covid will be eligible for a £500 payment

Parliament TV
Parliament TV

People on low-incomes who need to self-isolate due to coronavirus will be eligible for a £500 payment, the Health Secretary has revealed.

Matt Hancock said he did not want "anyone having to worry about their finances" while they adhere to measures aimed at curbing Covid-19.

The new £500 isolation support payment comes into effect from next Monday, he confirmed.

It comes as the House of Commons was warned that “there can be no doubt that this virus is accelerating” across all age groups.

In a statement, Mr Hancock said: “Self-isolation can be tough for many people especially if you’re not in a position to work from home.

“I don’t want anyone having to worry about their finances while they’re doing the right thing.

Matt Hancock also warned rule-breakers will suffer tougher sanctions (Parliament TV)
Matt Hancock also warned rule-breakers will suffer tougher sanctions (Parliament TV)

“So we will introduce a new £500 isolation support payment for people on low incomes who can’t work because they have tested positive or are asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.”

He also told the Commons the virus is "doubling around every seven days".

He said: “As the chief medical officer and the chief scientific adviser said earlier today, we’re seeing a rise in cases across all age groups.

“This pattern is emerging across the entirety of our United Kingdom and earlier this afternoon the Prime Minister held discussions with the first ministers of the devolved administrations and the deputy first minister of Northern Ireland to make sure that, wherever possible, we are united in our efforts to drive this virus down.

“We know that the epidemic is currently doubling around every seven days and that if we continue on this trajectory we could see 50,000 cases a day by mid-October, so there can be no doubt that this virus is accelerating.”

As well as providing help for people who are self-isolating Mr Hancock said those who break the rules will face tougher punishments.

He added: “Just as we’re strengthening our support for those who self-isolate, we propose to strengthen the sanctions for those who do not.”

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Comment: A full lockdown isn’t the answer to Covid

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