Echo readers have had mixed reactions to proposals to give people £500 to self-isolate if they have tested positive for coronavirus.

The idea is just one being considered by the Department for Health and Social Care to get more people to follow the isolation rules.

Only one in four people are said to be sticking to the 10-day isolation period once they have tested positive for Covid-19.

Under the plans, anyone who has tested positive would be given a £500 grant to cover the potential loss of earnings for self-isolating.

Some readers have given their backing to the proposals.

Commenting on Facebook, Simon Comber wrote: “It would help me out this month.

"I don’t receive anything from benefits and I’ve been off work for two weeks, my wages cut in half this month.

Amy Laura Houghton added: “I’m currently isolating with covid and I’ve lost out on a weeks work already.

"My employer has told us we need to isolate for two weeks from when symptoms started so I have lost 16 days of money.

"I’m single, living alone and I’m a key worker working in a residential children’s home. Being told we’re going to get paid statutory sick pay.

"So on top of having Covid - going to have a short month next pay.

“The whole situation is a mess. Those of you saying no just have a little think about what other challenges others are facing at this time.”

But others have been a lot more sceptical of the plans, and instead questioned why people need to be given an incentive just to stick to the rules.

Lolly Chap wrote: “Me and hubby both tested positive and I don’t think this is needed. Can you imagine how much will be paid out?”

Crystal Parker said: “No, not as an incentive - just do as your told. People will get the money and still do what they want anyway.

Lydia Hyde added: “Given that the Government has put in zero measures to prevent abuse of other schemes like furlough and business incentives, I think this will just be abused.

“You’ll get people taking the cash and still working, and probably you’ll get idiots purposely trying to catch Covid to get the money.”

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