People in England who refuse to isolate themselves to stop the spread of the coronavirus could face fines of up to £ 10,000 ($ 13,000, 11,000 euros) under the strict regulations announced on Saturday to address an increase in cases.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said this week that Britain was experiencing a second wave of Covid-19 and introduced new restrictions for millions of people in the north-west, north and central England.
In a new measure announced Saturday night, he said that from September 28 people will be legally required to self-isolate if they test positive or if the National Health Service (NHS) tracking program indicates it.
“The best way to combat this virus is for everyone to follow the rules and isolate themselves if they are at risk of transmitting the coronavirus,” Johnson said in a statement.
“And no one understates how important this is, the new regulations will mean that you are legally bound to do so if you have the virus or if NHS Test and Trace has asked you to.”
Currently, people who have symptoms or test positive are asked to isolate themselves for 10 days. Those living with someone who has symptoms or a positive result must self-isolate for 14 days.
The new fines will start at £ 1,000, in line with failure to quarantine after international travel, and will increase to £ 10,000 for repeat offenses and worst offenses, including companies that threaten self-isolating staff with layoffs, the companies said. authorities.
As an incentive for individuals to comply, low-income individuals will be able to claim an additional £ 500 lump sum if they are unable to work from home during their isolation.
“While most people are doing their best to play by the rules, I don’t want to see a situation where people don’t feel like they can be financially isolated,” Johnson said.
Nearly 42,000 people who tested positive for Covid-19 have died in Britain, the worst death toll from the pandemic in Europe.
After a summer hiatus, cases are increasing rapidly again and Johnson warned Friday of a second wave.
“We are seeing it in France, in Spain, throughout Europe; I fear that it has been absolutely inevitable that we will see it in this country,” he said.
New rules came into effect this week limiting social gatherings to six people from different households, and local measures have been introduced across the country.
But Johnson has expressed reluctance to introduce another nationwide lockdown, and some of his conservative lawmakers are increasingly vocal in condemning the current restrictions.
In London on Saturday, protesters against vaccines and the blockade clashed with police in Trafalgar Square. Police said 32 people were arrested.
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