Thousands of contact tracers are making their first phone calls to track down people who will be told to self-isolate under new test and trace schemes launched this week in England and Scotland.
Tracers will text, email or call people who test positive with coronavirus and ask who they have had contact with.
The new NHS Test and Trace service has the capacity to trace 10,000 contacts per day.
The Gov.Uk website provides an overview entitled NHS test and trace: how it works, which includes details about what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive.
The scheme:
Ensures that anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) can quickly be tested to find out if they have the virus, and also includes targeted asymptomatic testing of NHS and social care staff and care home residents
Helps trace close recent contacts of anyone who tests positive for coronavirus and, if necessary, notifies them that they must self-isolate at home to help stop the spread of the virus
An NHS spokesperson said: “We are introducing this service to help return life more to normal, in a way that is safe and protects our NHS and social care. The service will allow us to trace the spread of the virus and isolate new infections and play a vital role in giving us early warning if the virus is increasing again, locally or nationally.”
The Gov.Uk website also has a section devoted to guidance and support for disabled people.
Please note that the NHS Test and Trace service will not:
- ask for bank details or payments
- ask for details of any other accounts, such as social media
- ask you to set up a password or PIN number over the phone
- ask you to call a premium rate number, such as those starting 09 or 087
Meanwhile the NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. Their specific Covid-19 App is currently been tested out on residents of the Isle Of Wight and is expected to go national soon.
