Greater Manchester one of nine areas to trial self-isolation support

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Nine parts of England with higher coronavirus infection rates will pilot the trials, designed to encourage people most at risk of catching and transmitting Covid-19 to come forward for testing and to self-isolate successfully if they test positive

Greater Manchester is to be one of nine areas across England to trial more ways of supporting people to self-isolate.

Nine parts of England with higher coronavirus infection rates will pilot the trials, designed to encourage people most at risk of catching and transmitting Covid-19 to come forward for testing and to self-isolate successfully if they test positive.

The areas that will receive funding from a £12m pot are Greater Manchester; Lancashire, Blackburn & Darwen, Blackpool; Yorkshire and Humber; Cheshire and Merseyside; Somerset; plus areas of London, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.

The government is already backing a pilot across the Greater Manchester region with £2 million of funding to assess ways of helping people self-isolate.

This includes ‘support and engagement teams’ who work with households within 24 hours of a positive test to develop a bespoke plan for self-isolation.

There will be ‘buddying’ services for people needing mental health support and language support for those who do not speak English as their first language.

There will also be social care support - such as increasing existing social care support for vulnerable adults. - and alternative accommodation for those in overcrowded homes.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “From the very beginning of this global pandemic, the British public have made tremendous sacrifices and played their part whenever they’re asked – social distancing, self-isolating, getting tested and now finally, getting the jab.

“Variants have the potential to be a Trojan horse for our hard won progress and it is more vital than ever that we do what we can to show them the exit door, following the rules and self-isolating when asked.

“We recognise just how challenging self-isolation is for many people and these pilots will help us find the best ways to support people and making it easier for everyone to keep doing their bit.”

James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said: “Rapidly targeting local outbreaks and supporting people to self-isolate when required is absolutely crucial to our continuing fight against coronavirus.

“These pilot schemes will provide further insight into what works best in supporting those who test positive and their contacts to do the right thing to protect themselves, their families and their wider communities.

“All councils continue to use their unique local knowledge and connections to reach out to areas where they are most needed, working with government in our joint national effort to stop the spread and keep case rates as low as possible as we look towards a return to our normal way of life.”