A CHANGE in law means people are now legally-bound to self isolate for 14 days if they have Covid-19 – but local help is available for shopping and other needs.

The Government made the guidance on self-isolating a legal requirement on Monday, September 28, and now Oxford City Council is reminding residents that support is there for them if they need it.

Practical help for people through the two-week period of isolation includes collecting shopping and prescriptions, as well as claiming financial support for the most needy.

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The help includes:

• Volunteers who are ready to help with shopping and prescriptions so those isolating do not need to leave home

• Voluntary organisations across the city that offer food parcels for those in hardship to supplement their weekly groceries, many of them listed on the Good Food Oxford map.

• For those on the lowest incomes the Government is providing a £500 grant, beginning this month

Through lockdown Oxford City Council built up a network of its own staff who helped residents with emergency needs.

The council said this week that the 'knowledge and relationships these teams have built up are now there to support people who are struggling due to self-isolation'.

Community organisations have also developed support in their neighbourhoods in Oxford.

Oxford Hub has partnered with the council on the Oxford Together programme which provides local volunteers who can help pick up shopping and prescriptions.

Meanwhile food banks and community larders are reopening to help those in hardship, and arrangements are being made for those self-isolating.

In October the Government’s financial support for low-income households that cannot work from home comes into effect.

Details on eligibility and how to claim will be published shortly.

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As coronavirus case numbers have risen it has now become a legal requirement for people to self isolate when they have symptoms or test positive.

There are fines of £1,000 which can be issued by the police for those who breach the rules.

Employers who pressure staff not to self-isolate will also be liable for the fines, which can increase to £10,000 for repeated or the most serious breaches.

Louise Upton, city council cabinet member for 'a safer, healthier Oxford', said: “It’s vital that people self-isolate if they test positive or have symptoms, that is the most effective way to stop the spread.”

She added: “Although friends and family are often the best sources of support, there are times when they aren’t able to give the help that’s needed.

“Our customer services team and our locality hubs can help you access support, whether that’s directly from the council or finding other services that can help.”