NEW lockdown restrictions across England come into force today - and it will see fines of up to £10,000 being dished out to those ignoring isolation rules.

From today, tougher penalties for those flouting Covid-19 rules will be issued to persistent rule breakers in England.

It will also see fines for breaking self-isolation rules increase to £1,000, even for a first offence.

The move comes as more parts of the country have gone into local lockdown-style restrictions with parts of the North-West and Leeds added at the weekend.

Parts of the North-East, West Yorkshire and the Midlands have already seen tougher new lockdown rules following a spike in the number of Covid-19 infections.

What penalties are coming in today?

People across England will be legally required to self-isolate from this week if they test positive for coronavirus or are contacted by the test and trace service.

If they do not they risk being hit with new fines starting at £1,000 and increasing up to £10,000 for repeat offenders or serious breaches, the Department of Health said.

People who test positive for Covid-19 will also be fined if they knowingly provide false information about close contacts to the test and trace service.

The Department of Health said that police will check compliance in the highest incidence areas and in high-risk groups based on “local intelligence”.

High profile and “egregious” cases of non-compliance will be investigated and prosecuted while action will be taken on tip-offs from “third parties” about people who have tested positive but are not self-isolating, the Department of Health added.

£500 bonus for those on low incomes

But people on low incomes who cannot work from home and have lost income as a result will also be eligible for a new £500 test and trace support payment, it added.

Hint of further measures to come if rules flouted

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the Government will “not hesitate” to introduce further measures if case numbers continue to rise.

He added: “Anyone can catch coronavirus and anyone can spread it.

“We all have a crucial part to play in keeping the number of new infections down and protecting our loved ones.

“As cases rise it is imperative we take action, and we are introducing a legal duty to self-isolate when told to do so, with fines for breaches and a new £500 support payment for those on lower incomes who can’t work from home while they are self-isolating.

“These simple steps can make a huge difference to reduce the spread of the virus, but we will not hesitate to put in place further measures if cases continue to rise.”