A Welsh Government scheme which supports people on "low-pay" with a £500 payment if they have to self-isolate is being extended until March 2022.
The Self-Isolation Support Scheme was opened in November 2020 to "breakdown some of the financial barriers faced by people who are told to isolate by the NHS Wales Test Trace Protect (TTP) service because they have symptoms of coronavirus or are a close contact".
The Welsh Government said that the scheme supports those who cannot work from home as well as parents and carers on low incomes with children who are self-isolating.
The Minister for Finance and Local Government Rebecca Evans has approved an additional £4m, on top of £8m already earmarked in the Local Government Hardship Fund to extend the scheme.
More than 13,200 support payments have been made to people since November 2020.
Minister for Finance and Local Government Rebecca Evans said: “These payments are vital for anyone who has been told to isolate by TTP but may experience financial hardship as a result of having to stay at home and miss work.
“The scheme is administered by local authorities and includes a discretionary element to provide support to those who need it most.”
In addition to the £500 support payment, pilot schemes—including Covid Support Hubs— have been set up to offer even more support to people who would struggle to self-isolate. These have run in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg and Betsi Cadwaladr university health board areas and have helped to provide additional support to people, including food, essential items, mental health support and financial advice.