Yorkshire and the Humber included in self-isolation pilot
They're being launched in a bid to encourage people to get tested for Covid-19 and follow self-isolation rules
New pilot schemes are being launched across England in a bid to encourage people to get tested for Covid-19 and follow self-isolation rules.
The pilots will involve increased social care support for vulnerable adults, "buddying'' services for people needing mental health support and translation assistance for non-English speakers.
People isolating in overcrowded houses in the trial areas will also be offered alternative accommodation.
The Government has allocated £11.9 million towards the pilots, split between local authorities in nine areas with high infection rates.
The local authority areas including Newham and Hackney in London, Yorkshire and the Humber, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside, Peterborough and Somerset.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:
"We recognise just how challenging self-isolation is for many people and these pilots will help us find the best ways to support people and making it easier for everyone to keep doing their bit.''
It comes as the Government announced on Sunday that 60.6 million first and second vaccine doses had been administered since December 8.
The figure includes 37.9 million people who have received a first dose, 72% of the UK population, and 22.6 million have had both (43%).
The number of second doses administered in the UK hit a daily record on Saturday, with 556,951.
The Government continued to urge people to get a second dose to stay protected from new coronavirus variants.