COVID-19: No decision on UK's universal payment scheme for coronavirus patients

With a clampdown until February half-term to suppress the transmission of the mutant strain of the coronavirus, the UK government's announcement of 500 pounds ($683) payment to cover covid positive individuals remains unverified, as of January 22. Environment Minister George Eustice told the UK media outlets that the financial assistance scheme planned by the Boris Johnson administration, that might incur the government an estimated 453 million pounds as cited by UK newspapers, has not been decided on yet. However, according to several local media reports, some coronavirus patients across the UK on low wages have already received checks worth 500 pounds. UK’s government, earlier this year, announced the £4.6 billion in new lockdown grants to support businesses and protect jobs amid the stringent lockdown measures. Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a one-off grant worth up to £9,000 following UK PM’s orders that all business except the pharmacies and essential goods store will be closed until at least mid-February. Johnson added that the administration might provide cash on a per-property basis to financially support 600,000 businesses across the country, and swing checks for those that are impacted by the restrictions to control the virus. Read: UK's Boris Johnson Hails Joe Biden's Move To Rejoin Paris Climate Accord Read: 145 People Infected With UK Variant Of COVID-19 In India: Centre The House is now sitting, starting with questions to @DefraGovUK ministers. Watch today's proceedings: https://t.co/182QG2NiuC pic.twitter.com/szPw49pwbp — UK House of Commons (@HouseofCommons) January 21, 2021 Business starts in #HouseofLords at 12 with #LordsQs. An urgent question will follow on Victims’ Payment Scheme in Northern Ireland, then members press government on visas for musicians. Later, members debate the main purpose and principles of the #OverseasOperationsBill — House of Lords (@UKHouseofLords) January 20, 2021 Might incur 'hefty costs' According to a Downing Street release, the government suggested that it will roll out welfare benefits for those under isolation due to COVID-19. But an official policy paper, accessed by the Guardian, cited the administration as planning to provide universal payments to all those that contract the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, this might incur the government hefty costs, according to a report in the Guardian. Speaking to the press, minister George Eustice said that the decision about the scheme is yet to be made. Meanwhile, in a statement, chancellor Sunak said: “We’ve taken swift action to protect lives and livelihoods and we’re announcing a further cash injection to support jobs until the Spring.” He, however, didn’t disclose the details of the universal pay plan under review by the UK administration. House parties spread the virus and risk lives. If you attend one you could be fined £800. We're cracking down on the minority that break the rules, to help protect the NHS and save lives. #StayHome pic.twitter.com/trvCglrkvb — UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) January 21, 2021 Read: No Fall In COVID Infections Despite Lockdown, Finds UK Study Read: UK, EU In Spat Over Diplomatic Status Of Bloc's Ambassador

Advertisement

COVID-19: No decision on UK's universal payment scheme for coronavirus patients

UK's COVID-19 universal pay scheme might incur the government an estimated 453 million pounds as cited by UK newspapers, which has not been decided on yet.

Advertisement