£500 self-isolation payments to continue until March 2022

A Welsh Government scheme paying £500 to people who are forced to self-isolate has been extended until March 2022.

The self-isolation support scheme started in November last year to support those who cannot work form home, as well as parents or carers on low incomes whose children are forced to self-isolate.

The Welsh Government’s Finance and Local Government Minister, Rebecca Evans, has approved an extra £4m for the scheme, on top of the £8m already earmarked.

Since the scheme began, more than 13,200 support payments have been made.

Ms Evans said: “These payments are vital for anyone who has been told to isolate by Test Trace Protect but may experience financial hardship as a result of having to stay at home and miss work.

“The scheme is administered by local authorities and includes a discretionary element to provide support to those who need it most.”

Wales’ Health Minister Eluned Morgan, who is herself currently self-isolating after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus, praised the effectiveness of the contact tracing service.

Mrs Morgan said: “Test Trace Protect has been extremely effective at supporting both people who have tested positive and their contacts and providing advice, guidance and support. It’s important we continue to invest to provide support to those who need it the most.

“We have created guidance to ensure local authorities can access funding to provide support tailored to people’s needs, including alternative, temporary accommodation for those who can’t self-isolate safely or effectively.”

To apply for the payment, visit obv.sr/sisp