Coronavirus LIVE: North and London could face a two-week socialization ban under new plans

Fines for failure to isolate properly introduced in England today

New local closures, new restrictions and new stiff fines for failing to self-isolate will take effect in some parts of the UK on Monday.

People across England will be legally required to self-isolate from this week if they test positive for coronavirus or are contacted by the testing and tracing service.

If they don’t, they risk new fines starting at £ 1,000 and increasing up to £ 10,000 for repeat offenders or serious offenses, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.

Individuals 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.

DHSC said police will verify compliance in high-incidence areas and high-risk groups based on “local intelligence.” High-profile and “egregious” cases of non-compliance will be investigated and prosecuted, while action will be taken based on “third-party” notices about individuals who tested positive but did not self-isolate, the DHSC added. .

But low-income people who are unable to work from home and have lost income as a result will also be eligible for a £ 500 retest and follow-up support payment, he added.