From Monday 28th September 2020, people in England will be required by law to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace. This law has been introduced to ensure compliance with self-isolation rules and to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Fines will also be introduced from today for those breaching self-isolation rules, starting at £1,000, in line with the existing penalty for breaking quarantine after international travel.

This could increase to up to £10,000 for repeat offences and the most serious breaches, including for those preventing others from self-isolating. Employers who force or allow staff to come to work who they know should be self-isolating will also be liable for fines of up to £10,000.

Parents and carers of children who need to self-isolate during the pandemic may be eligible for a one-off payment of £500 from the Government's Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme. The payment aims to offer support to parents and carers who are having to take time off work with their children or are facing other expenses. Further information on the support available can be found here: https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/healthcare/public-health/coronavirus/test-and-trace