UK will pay low-income residents to self-isolate

Poorer Britons will be paid to self-isolate, if they have a confirmed or suspected case of coronavirus.

It’s part of the UK government’s attempt to keep the virus under control, amid fears people who cannot not afford to take time off work are avoiding complying with the health advice.

The scheme targets low-income residents who will receive £130, that’s $172, for their 10-day period of self-isolation.

Other members of their household, who also have to self-isolate for 14 days, will be entitled to 182 pounds.

Eligible people will already be those receiving benefits and the payments will first be trialed in a number of northern UK locations, specifically ones that’ve experienced local lockdowns.

UK Health Minister Matt Hancock underlined the importance of self-isolation when required, saying, quote, it “remains vital to keeping on top of local outbreaks."