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Downing Street has said there are “no plans” to go ahead with a proposal to pay £500 to everyone who tests positive for coronavirus in order to increase the number of people abiding by quarantine rules.
Ministers have considered a proposal to extend payments to anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 in England amid concerns of low compliance for self-isolation, but No 10 played down the possibility, insisting the “vast majority continue to abide by the rules”.
Scientific advisers welcomed the suggestion of more financial support but Treasury sources were adamant the plan will not go ahead, with one telling the PA news agency bluntly: “Won’t happen.”
Downing Street has said there are “no plans” to go ahead with a proposal to pay £500 to everyone who tests positive for coronavirus in order to increase the number of people abiding by quarantine rules.
Ministers have considered a proposal to extend payments to anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 in England amid concerns of low compliance for self-isolation, but No 10 played down the possibility, insisting the “vast majority continue to abide by the rules”.
Scientific advisers welcomed the suggestion of more financial support but Treasury sources were adamant the plan will not go ahead, with one telling the PA news agency bluntly: “Won’t happen.”
Susan Michie believes compensation payments could be made to improve quarantine compliance. Credit: PA
Just 18% of people with coronavirus symptoms in the UK are completing the full 10-day self-isolation period, an adviser to the government has suggested.
Professor Susan Michie, who sits on the Scientific Pandemic Insights Group on Behaviours, attacked the UK s test, trace and isolate strategy as she called for self-isolation payments - as reportedly being considered by ministers - saying many countries have systems that are so much better than Britain s.
For example, free or highly subsidised local accommodation, transport, internet connection and pet care is made available in New York to those who cannot stay in their own homes because they risk spreading the virus to others in their household.