U.K. Slammed Over ‘Too Little, Very Late’ Boost to Isolation Aid
- Scientists, local leaders criticize government pilot programs
- Ensuring people stay at home is ‘fundamental’ to beating Covid
A pedestrian crosses the road in Bedford, U.K., on May 24.
Photographer: Jason Alden/BloombergA U.K. government plan to boost support for people who need to self-isolate in the pandemic does not go far enough to properly prevent the spread of coronavirus and new variants, scientists and local leaders warned.
Pilot programs were announced in nine areas of England this week to encourage people to stay home for 10 days if they contract Covid-19 or come into contact with someone with the disease. The 12-million-pound ($17 million) initiative includes accommodation for people in overcrowded households, language support and “buddying” services to provide mental health support.
The aim is to spur people most at risk of catching and transmitting coronavirus to come forward for testing and self-isolate if they’re positive. Reducing transmission is critical to getting the virus under control and to make it harder for it to mutate into a form that could be resistant to vaccines.
A rise in cases, or the emergence of a new variant, could also knock Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s plan to lift most restrictions on June 21 off course.