October 19, 2020
1 min read

UK police gains access to NHS’s test and trace details

People who fail to self-isolate “without reasonable justification” could have their names, address and contact details passed on to their local authority and then to the police…Reports Asian Lite News

People who have been asked to self-isolate through the test and trace system of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) could have their contact details shared with the police, it was announced.

In a statement on Sunday, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed that police forces will have access “on a case-by-case” basis to information, enabling them to know if an individual has been told to self-isolate, Xinhua news agency reported.

People who fail to self-isolate “without reasonable justification” could have their names, address and contact details passed on to their local authority and then to the police, the DHSC’s said.

“This may lead to enforcement action being taken against you, which could include you being fined,” it added.

Currently, people in England are legally required to self-isolate if they test positive for the novel coronavirus.

Those who fail to do so face fines starting at 1,000 pounds and increasing up to 10,000 pounds for repeat offenders or serious breaches, the DHSC said.

Reacting to the development, a National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesperson said forces would continue to encourage “voluntary compliance” but would enforce regulations and issue fines where appropriate, the BBC reported.

“Officers will engage with individuals to establish their circumstances, using their discretion wherever it is reasonable to do so.”

Meanwhile, the Health Service Journal, a news service which covers policy and management in the NHS in England, reported that the office of England’s Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, feared the move would put people off from being tested.

A spokesman for the British Medical Association, which represents doctors in the UK, also said the test-and-trace system needed “the full confidence of the public” to be effective.

The UK has so far reported a total of 725,292 coronavirus cases and 43,736 deaths.

Also read:Covid-19 reinfections ‘to be expected’: UK scientists

Previous Story

Italy announces new anti-Covid restrictions

Next Story

Over 100 arrested during anti-curb protests in Prague

Latest from -Top News

India, Namibia to Boost Ties During Modi Visit

This will be the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to Namibia, and the third-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia….reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to

Quantum Leap Secures India’s Edge

The Minister said India has entered a new quantum era, set to transform future warfare….reports Asian Lite News India has taken a major leap in defence and cyber security by successfully demonstrating

India’s Growth Defies West Asia Tensions

The deepening crisis in West Asia, particularly between Israel and Iran, has had little to no visible impact on India’s economic trajectory or its export performance….reports Asian Lite News The limited trade

FM Sitharaman Embarks on Three-Nation Tour

She is leading the Indian delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance….reports Asian Lite News Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commenced her official visit to Spain, Portugal,
Go toTop