RULES surrounding a one-off payment that could be paid out if you are forced to self-isolate from the virus have changed to reflect the new guidance.

On Monday, new guidance was released which said that anyone who is double-vaccinated, below 18 years old, or who is unable to get vaccinated for medical reasons will be exempt from isolating if they come into contact with a Covid-positive person.

As a result, the terms of a council-led support payments have changed.

The Test and Trace support payment is eligible to anyone in the following categories:

  • If you have tested positive for Covid-19 and you cannot do your job from home.

  • A young person you need to provide care for has tested positive for Covid-19, and you cannot do your job from home.

  • You have been identified as a close contact by NHS Test and Trace or the Covid-19 app, haven't had both doses of your vaccine, and cannot do your job from home.

  • A young person that you need to provide care for who is aged between 18 and 25 with an EHC plan in place has been identified as a close contact, hasn't had both doses of their Covid-19 vaccine, and you cannot do your job from home.

Those who are entitled to the scheme could receive a payment of £500 and the deadline to apply for the scheme is September 30.

Claims can be made up to 42 days from the first day of isolation.

A spokesperson for Barnsley Council said: “If you have been told to isolate by the NHS Covid-19 app and are not double vaccinated, you'll need to take steps before applying for the scheme.”

More information on the scheme can be found here.