Cash for those testing positive is a scheme Sturgeon would back

The Scottish Government would replicate a £500 payment to everyone confirmed with Covid-19 if Westminster introduces the move south of the border, the first minister has confirmed.

Nicola Sturgeon said she would welcome the introduction of the payment, as the additional cash it would generate for Scotland could allow for a similar scheme to be set up.

Reports had suggested the UK Government was considering the move, but Downing Street said yesterday there are “no plans” to introduce it.

The prospect of a payment for everyone testing positive comes amid concern compliance among those required to self-isolate is too low.

Currently, only those on a low income are eligible for a £500 support payment if they are required to quarantine, with Ms Sturgeon saying the Scottish Government would struggle to resource any expansion to more people without additional funding.

She said: “We will see whether that transpires or not, but any extra resources for selfisolation we would use to support self-isolation.”

Her comments came as a lawyer said “greater support” for those needing to self-isolate is more important than stricter enforcement of lockdown measures.

John Scott QC, tasked with scrutinising Police Scotland’s use of new powers to deal with coronavirus, told a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority: “Higher levels of support remain more important than higher levels of fine.”

He highlighted issues raised by Professor Stephen Reicher of St Andrews University, who is a member of the advisory body Sage.

Mr Scott said: “Professor Reicher has tweeted about New York and the support that people get for isolation and that includes, for example, walking your dog, so there’s about 80% compliance there.

“Whereas here, we’re struggling with people who don’t want to get tested because they’re frightened of the financial implications of a positive test.”