THE launch of the next step of controlling coronavirus – the NHS Test and Trace service – has been welcomed by both Redditch MP Rachel Maclean and Worcestershire County Council.
The service, will help identify, contain and control coronavirus, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.
The County Council will be helping the NHS to run the service across Worcestershire, using local knowledge and expertise, working with districts, schools, communities and workplaces to rapidly respond to emerging outbreaks.
From now anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service to talk them through their next steps. They will also need to share information with the team about their recent interactions.
This could include household members, people with whom they have been in direct contact, or within 2 metres for more than 15 minutes.
Dr Kathryn Cobain, director of public health in Worcestershire, said: “It’s a really positive step forward that the NHS test and trace service has been launched today.
“This service will help to build on the great work that has already been done by all since the pandemic began.
“It is really important that we continue to control coronavirus, whilst restrictions are gradually being lifted, and national lockdown is being eased.
People identified as having been in close contact with someone who has a positive test must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms, to stop unknowingly spreading the virus.
If those in isolation develop symptoms, they can book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. If they test positive, they must continue to stay at home for seven days or until their symptoms have passed.
If they test negative, they must complete the 14-day isolation period.
Redditch MP Rachel Maclean said: “I know our community in Redditch will be eager to help others and co-operate willingly.
“Test and Trace is key to getting back to normality and getting the economy back on its feet.”
The NHS Test and Trace service, including 25,000 dedicated contact tracing staff working with Public Health England, will have the capacity to trace the contacts of 10,000 people who test positive for coronavirus per day and can be scaled up if needed.
If those in isolation develop symptoms, they can book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
For more information on the service, visit: http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/coronavirus
If you have been asked to self-isolate by the team, and would like some support, visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help
