A spike in the number of cases of the new coronavirus in the U.S. has reignited the debate around paid sick leave. Medical experts warn the current situation could exacerbate the spread of COVID-19 by dissuading people to take time off work.

"It's vital that people who may have this virus self-isolate to prevent it spreading, but if they are not guaranteed an income during this time, it puts them in a near-impossible situation," Dr Helena McKeown, a British Medical Association (BMA) representative body chair told Newsweek.

"For some, not getting sick pay will mean they cannot feed themselves or their families, heat their homes or pay their rent."

Earlier the British government announced that people who self-isolate will be eligible for statutory sick pay, though there are questions over whether some of the most vulnerable workers will qualify.

The move followed calls for government intervention from the country's trade union body (the TUC) to help workers who do not have access sick pay, which typically affects those who work flexible hours and are on low incomes, BBC reported.

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