Cash to isolate 'would have cut Covid deaths'

The Covid-19 inquiry has heard that higher financial support for self-isolation could have reduced pandemic-related deaths in the UK. Baroness Dido Harding, the former head of the NHS Test and Trace program, stated that Chancellor Rishi Sunak had blocked proposals for more generous payments to encourage people to stay home when infected. Harding argued that the lack of adequate financial support led many individuals to continue working despite being unwell, contributing to the spread of the virus. She suggested that increased isolation payments could have saved lives by preventing further transmission. The inquiry is examining the government's handling of the pandemic, including decisions around lockdowns, financial support, and public health measures. Harding's testimony highlights the potential tradeoffs between economic considerations and public health priorities during the crisis. While the article does not provide comprehensive details, it underscores the importance of balancing fiscal policies with effective public health strategies in responding to large-scale health emergencies.