Some 13 million people are currently under restrictions across the UK as the Government and local authorities attempt to clamp down a resurgence of COVID-19 up and down the country. Now, as restrictions get tougher for everyone, the Government has brought in a hefty new fine for those who fail to quarantine or self-isolate after travelling abroad or being in contact with a positive case.
From September 28, it will become a legal duty for Britons to quarantine themselves if they have been notified by the NHS Track and Trace system they have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.
Quarantine means you must not leave your home unless absolutely essential – such as to buy medication and food.
You should ask a friend or family member to get these for you and should only go out if these options are not available to you.
The crackdown is part of a bid to reduce the recent rising cases of coronavirus, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning the UK is facing a “second wave”.
Police checks in areas with high rates of infections, fines for those who prevent others from self-isolating, and investigations into reports of rule breakers are all part of the latest measures.
Mr Johnson said: “The best way we can fight this virus is by everyone following the rules and self-isolating if they’re at risk of passing on coronavirus.
“And so nobody underestimates just how important this is, new regulations will mean you are legally obliged to do so if you have the virus or have been asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace.
“People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines.
“We need to do all we can to control the spread of this virus, to prevent the most vulnerable people from becoming infected, and to protect the NHS and save lives.
“And while most people are doing their absolute level best to comply with the rules, I don’t want to see a situation where people don’t feel they are financially able to self-isolate.
DON’T MISS
Coronavirus update: What is a ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown? [EXPLAINER]
Face Mask immunity: Are face masks REALLY giving people immunity? [ANALYSIS]
£500 coronavirus grant: How to get the £500 self-isolation grant [INSIGHT]
He continued: “We have in some sense a perfect storm right now of people, as they have been told to, getting back to normal, schools reopening, a surge in cases, so therefore the testing system is under strain.”
Health minister Matt Hancock told Sky News this week that the national lockdown represents the country’s “last line of defence” against COVID-19.
He stressed the Government was aiming to use “local action”, with local lockdowns currently in place in several areas up and down the country.
Areas such as Merseyside, Manchester, Northumberland and Bolton currently have restrictions in place due to rising cases.
Some 13 million people are currently under restrictions, and the UK has had more than 41,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
