People across England will be legally required to self-isolate from this week if they test positive for coronavirus or are contacted by the test and trace service.
Anyone who ignores this advice risks being hit with new fines.
The legal duty to self-isolate comes into force today - with fines starting at £1,000 and increasing up to £10,000 for repeat offenders or serious breaches, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.
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People who have received a positive test must isolate for 10 days after displaying symptoms or their test date if they do not have symptoms, while members of their household must isolate for 14 days.
The DHSC also said that police resources will be used to check compliance in the highest incidence areas and in high-risk groups based on "local intelligence".
But people on low incomes who cannot work from home and have lost income as a result will also be eligible for a new £500 test and trace support payment, it added.
Full list of reasons you can leave isolation:
You may not leave the place where you are living, except "where necessary" in the following circumstances, reports the Mirror.
This an exhaustive list, according to the law. If a reason isn't on this list, you can't use it.
- To seek medical assistance, where this is required urgently or on the advice of a registered medical practitioner. This can include dentists, opticians, audiologists, chiropodists, chiropractors, osteopaths, mental health and other medical or health practitioners.
- To go to a vet, where this is required urgently or on the advice of a vet.
- To fulfil a legal obligation, including attending court or satisfying bail conditions, or participating in legal proceedings.
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- To avoid a risk of harm, such as by fleeing domestic abuse.
- To attend a funeral of a close family member
- To obtain basic necessities, such as food and medical supplies for those in the same household (including any pets or animals in the household) - but only "where it is not possible to obtain these provisions in any other manner". That means you should first try to get a food delivery or ask neighbours to help.
- To access critical public services, including social services, and services provided to victims (such as victims of crime)
- To move to a different place if it becomes impracticable to remain at the address where you are.
