Britain’s government said Sunday it is introducing fines up to 10,000 U.K. pounds, or $13,000, for people who refuse an order to self-isolate, which will go into effect on Sept. 28.
Britain’s Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC that the country is facing a “tipping point” amid a surge of infections.
“If everybody follows the rules then we can avoid further national lockdown,” Hancock said Sunday.
The new rule obliges people to self-isolate if they test positive for the coronavirus or are traced as a close contact.
The government will help those on lower incomes who face a loss of earnings as a result of self-isolating with a one-time support payment of 500 U.K. pounds ($633).
The latest figures show the reported 3,899 COVID-19 cases and 18 additional deaths on Sunday, according to Sky News.
An official estimate also shows that new infections and hospital admissions are doubling every seven to eight days in the U.K.❐
