A new scheme has been introduced nationwide which will give financial support to people who are required by law to self-isolate and who are on low incomes.

 

The Test and Trace Support scheme is a £500 payment which can help those who cannot work from home, and who have lost income as a result of having to self-isolate.

 

It is being administered by local councils and Northumberland County Council has put in place processes to make these payments to those who are eligible.

 

From 28 September people have been required by law to self-isolate if they have a positive test result for COVID-19, or they are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and instructed to self-isolate.

 

Cllr Nick Oliver, cabinet member for corporate services at the council said: “We know that self-isolation is one of the most powerful tools for controlling the transmission of Covid-19, and in Northumberland, like almost all areas, our levels are rising.

 

“We hope this new Test and Trace Support payment of £500 will ensure that those on low incomes are able to self-isolate without worry about their finances.

 

“We know many people are following the rules around self-isolation, but these steps will make sure more do so without worrying about money, and help ensure the public do not unknowingly spread the virus.

 

“We have worked as quickly as we can to set up processes to pay out the support, and the application system is now live  

 

“Those who have had to self-isolate from 28 September will receive backdated payments if they are eligible.”

 

This financial support comes as the Government has placed a legal requirement on people to self-isolate when instructed to by NHS Test and Trace and has also introduced tougher fines for breaking the rules. 

 

Government has also it clear that businesses shouldn’t discriminate against those who have to self-isolate and could be fined if they do so.

 

You can now apply for a Test and Trace support payment at www.northumberland.gov.uk/coronavirus