People who test positive for covid-19 and refuse to self-isolate will find themselves on the wrong side of the law and facing a hefty £10,000 fine.
Those who are positive, and even people who suspected of having the virus, who choose to ignore the 14-day self-isolation period will be fined £1,000 - this rises to £10,000 for repeat offenders and cases involving the 'the most egregious breaches' such as employers refusing to let staff have time off.
Announcing the new measures, Boris Johnson said: "The best way we can fight this virus is by everyone following the rules and self-isolating if they are at risk of passing on the virus.
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"People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines."
Anyone who is contacted by test and trace after being in contact with someone who has had tested positive and told to self-isolate will face the same rules.
The government has also announced its going after bosses who threaten staff with redundancy or the sack for self-isolating and could hit them with a £10,000 fine to send a 'clear message that this will not be tolerated'.
In an attempt to encourage more people to stay at home and isolate after a positive test, low-paid workers will be given a £500 grant.
Johnson said: "While most people are doing their level best to comply with the rules, I don't want to see a situation where people don't feel they are financially able to self-isolate."
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"That's why we're also introducing a new £500 Test and Trace Support payment for those on low incomes who are required by NHS Test and Trace to remain at home to help stop the spread of the virus."
The new rules come in on 28 September, with the £500 payment scheme set to be operational by 12 October - however, anyone who is eligible who self-isolates from the 28 September will be able to claim a backdated payment.
To ensure people stick to the rules, the government has said Test and Trace call handlers will be making 'regular contact' with those who are supposed to be isolating and will escalate any suspicion of rule breaking with the police and local authorities.
Along this, they will use police resources to check compliance in high incident areas and high-risk groups, while also investigating and prosecuting high-profile cases of non-compliance.
Featured Image Credit: PA