MSP for Inverness and Nairn fergus Ewing urges constituents to apply for coronavirus self-isolation grant
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A Highland politician has welcomed the announcement that the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 self-isolation payment will not be impacted by changes to requirements.
Fergus Ewing, SNP MSP for Inverness and Nairn, says the £500 grant is for those who will face financial hardship due to being asked to self-isolate during the pandemic.
It will not be reduced after updates to clinical guidance that those asked to self-isolate will need to do so for 10 days, rather than 14 days.
Mr Ewing said: “Self-isolation, both for contacts identified by Test and Protect and through the foreign travel quarantine requirements, is critical to protecting people and reducing the spread of Covid-19.
“While self-isolation may be for a shorter period, it remains vital that everyone who is required to do so remains at their home or other named address for this time.
“Only by doing this can we break the chain of transmission of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
“To ensure people do not experience financial hardship as a result of doing the right thing, the SNP government has ensured that the £500 grant for people on low incomes who have been asked to self-isolate does not change.
“I’d urge everyone in the Highlands who is facing a loss of income due to self-isolating to apply for this payment.”
The four chief medical officers of the UK jointly announced that close contacts of a positive case and those returning from countries without a travel corridor will be able to self-isolate for 10 days instead of the previous 14 days earlier this month.
