Matt Hancock faced a furious backlash today after 'bonkers' plans surfaced to give everyone testing positive for Covid £500.
The proposal, which would cost up to £450million a week, is aimed at encouraging more people to undergo swabs and self-isolate to stop the virus spreading.
Detailed in an official policy paper, it is said to be the 'preferred position' of Mr Hancock's Department of Health.
Officials fear that too many with Covid symptoms fail to take a test in case knowing a positive result stops them working.
However, it appears to have blindsided Downing Street, with sources making clear No10 was had not seen the blueprint before it was leaked and warning it would create 'perverse incentives'.
Treasury officials said it was 'not going to happen' and swiped that they had 'zero idea' how Mr Hancock allowed it to get traction. 'Just bonkers. The whole country will suddenly develop a dry cough,' one said.
In a round of interviews this morning, Environment Secretary George Eustice refused to rule out the plan entirely, saying ministers were looking at reasons why people avoid self-isolating with Covid symptoms.
But he stressed that 'no decisions' had been taken and the government was 'always keeping multiple policies under review'.
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