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.
By PA News
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Downing Street has said there are âno plansâ 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 âvast majority continue to abide by the rulesâ.
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: âWonât happen.â
First published on Fri 22 Jan 2021 07.40 EST
A government proposal to pay £500 to everyone in England who tests positive for Covid-19 has been met with scepticism by the Treasury and divided opinion among experts.
The idea is described as the âpreferred positionâ of the health secretary Matt Hancockâs department and is part of a planned overhaul of the self-isolation support scheme revealed by the Guardian.
George Eustice, the environment secretary, confirmed on Friday that the idea was under review and it is understood it will be considered by the governmentâs coronavirus operations committee in the next few days. No 10 and the Treasury are sceptical about the idea of a universal payment, believing it could incentivise members of the public to contract the virus.
Downing Street denies people self-isolating with Covid will be paid £500
The Prime Minister s spokesman denied reports of the plans for the pay out
There were reports that the government was preparing to pay everyone in England £500 if they test positive for coronavirus
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