People in England who break new rules requiring them to self-isolate if they have been in contact with someone infected with Covid-19 will face a fine of up to 10,000 pounds, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said.

According to Reuters, the rules will apply from Sept 28 to anyone in England who tests positive for the virus or is notified by public health workers that they have been in contact with someone infectious. “People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines,” Johnson said in a statement.

Fines will start at 1,000 pounds for a first offence, rising to 10,000 pounds for repeat offenders or cases where employers threaten to sack staff who self-isolate rather than go to work.