Residents reminded self-isolation is now a legal requirement

Bolton Council is reminding residents who are required to self-isolate, that they must do so by law.

You must self-isolate if:

  • You develop symptoms
  • Live with someone who has tested positive or has symptoms
  • You are contacted by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app

You could be fined if you do not self-isolate.

Self-isolation means you cannot leave your house for ten days. It can take up to ten days for symptoms to develop, so it’s essential to self-isolate to stop the spread of the virus. If you develop symptoms you should book a Covid-19 test as soon as possible via gov.uk

Bolton Council's Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Lowey said: “It’s vital anyone with symptoms or anyone who has been in contact with someone with symptoms or a positive test self isolates for ten days. Even if you don’t have symptoms you must do this; you could be unknowingly passing the virus on.  

“Self-isolation is not the same as the general stay at home message where you can leave your house for essential shopping, exercise and to go to work if you can’t work from home.

“Self-isolation requires you to stay at home for ten days and you cannot leave your house for any of the above reasons.

“Anyone can catch Covid-19 and anyone can spread it. We must protect our loved ones, and all play our part in reducing infections.”

What is self-isolation?

Self-isolation means:

  • You cannot take your dog for a walk
  • You cannot go to your workplace
  • You cannot play sports or go out for exercise
  • You cannot go to a place of worship
  • Do not invite or allow social visitors, such as other friends or family, to enter your home.
  • If you or a family member receive essential care in your home, then carers should continue to visit. Carers should follow the relevant guidance to reduce the risk of you passing on the infection.
  • You should cancel all routine medical appointments but please speak with your doctor, GP, hospital etc

You should not have visitors, including friends and family, unless they are providing:

  • emergency assistance
  • care or assistance, including personal care
  • medical assistance
  • veterinary services
  • certain critical public services

If you live alone and have no means of support i.e., nobody to pick up essential supplies for you please contact our support helpline on 01204 337221.

There is support and information on coping with self-isolation on the Every Mind Matters website.

When do you need to self-isolate?

You need to self-isolate if:

  • You develop symptoms of coronavirus
  • You arrive back in the UK from a country that is not on the exemptions list
  • You have been contacted by Test and Trace and told you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive
  • If you've got an alert from the NHS Covid App, telling you that you've spent time near someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, then you will have to stay at home for 10 days.

If you have symptoms, then the people who you live with must self-isolate as well.  

If you have been contacted by Test and Trace or you are returning from abroad and have to self-isolate then the people you live with do not have to self-isolate. However, you should keep your distance from them, eat and prepare food separately, clean toilets, baths etc once you have washed in them.

Support payments for residents self-isolating and on a low income

Bolton residents who are isolating because of Covid-19 and on a low income may be able to claim a £500 support payment if they cannot work and face a loss of income.

Who is eligible for the payment?

You must meet the following criteria: 

  • You have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace either because you have tested positive for coronavirus or because you are the close contact of a positive case
  • You are employed or self-employed
  • You are in receipt of a least one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance or Pension Credit
  • You are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result

How do I apply?

Applications for the support payment can be made online via the Bolton Council website. 

If you can't get a Test and Trace Support Payment because you do not receive a qualifying benefit, you may still be awarded a £500 discretionary payment if you:

  • have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace on or after 28 September 2020 or identified as a close contact by the NHS COVID-19 App from 10 December 2020.
  • are employed or self-employed
  • are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
  • have property relates costs such as rent, a mortgage or council tax
  • are on a low income and will face financial hardship because you are having to self isolate

How do I apply?

Applications can be made online via the Bolton Council website.

Published: 13th January 2021