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The proposal, described as the ministry’s “privileged position”, follows research that suggested that only 17% of people with symptoms of Covid-19 come forward for a test because they fear losing their income if they stop working because of the obligation to isolate themselves.
However, Number 10 denied on Friday that the government was planning a large expansion of the current solitary confinement payment system.
Currently, only low-income people who cannot work from home and receive one of the seven means-tested benefits are eligible for a payment of £ 500.
Asked about the proposal, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson told reporters: “There are no plans to introduce an additional payment of £ 500.
“We are already offering a payment of £ 500 to help low income people who cannot work from home.
“We have given local authorities £ 70million for the program and they are able to provide additional payments on top of that £ 500 if they deem it necessary.
“This £ 500 is on top of all the other statutory sickness benefits and benefits people are entitled to.”
Asked about the 16-page document from the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, the spokesperson said he would not comment on the leaked documents.
He added that “the vast majority of the public continues to play by the rules and isolate themselves when asked.”
Pressed on Cabinet Office data suggesting that only 17% of people with symptoms of Covid show up for a test, the spokesperson said: “I would like to highlight the number of tests that are done each day.
“You will see that these numbers are high and have been for some time.
“Still, the vast majority of those who are symptomatic receive a (test), and again, I would like to point out the published statistics.
“We are testing more people than ever.”
Earlier on Friday, when asked about the DHSC proposal, Minister George Eustice said “no decision has been taken on this” but added: “This is a dynamic situation that is changing rapidly with the pandemic.
“We still control several policies.”
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