LEGAL EAGLE: Follow self-isolation rules or face a fine of up to £10k

In short if Margaret Ferrier had taken the same action today as she did on September 29 she would be committing an offence. The only reason she wasn’t prosecuted was that her test result was received on September 28, the day before the law came into force.

The rules are now very clear – you must self-isolate if you develop symptoms (a new continuous cough, a high temperature, a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell). You should arrange to get a test either by post or in person. You can do this via the GOV.UK website.

You should continue to self-isolate until you receive the result of that test. If the test is negative you may continue your daily life.

However, if the test is positive you must continue to self-isolate for a full 10 days from when your symptoms began. If you fail to do so then you could be fined, the level of this fine will depend on the seriousness of your actions up to a limit of £10,000.

You must also self-isolate if you receive a call or visit from NHS Track and Trace notifying you that you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. Again if you fail to do so you could be liable to be fined up to £10,000 depending on your actions.

This does not include notifications from the NHS COVID-19 App, if you receive one of these notifications then you should self-isolate until you obtain a test and follow the recommended procedures.

For the avoidance of doubt, “self-isolate” means to remain at your place of residence and not to leave for any reason other than to seek urgent medical assistance or services relating to mental health; to fulfil a legal obligation including attending court.

Also to avoid a risk of harm, to attend a funeral of a close family member, to obtain basic necessities for those in the same household (including pets) where it is not possible to obtain these provisions in any other manner, to access critical public services, including social services, and services provided to victims, to move to a different residence where it becomes impracticable to remain at the address at which they are.