Government Launches NHS Test and Trace Service

The new NHS Test and Trace service has launched today across England. The service will help identify, contain and control Coronavirus, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.

• NHS Test and Trace service to form a central part of the Government’s Coronavirus recovery strategy
• Anyone with symptoms will be tested and their close contacts will be traced
• New guidance means those who have been in close contact with someone who tests positive must isolate for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms, to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus

Anyone who tests positive for Coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information 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.

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 7 days or until their symptoms have passed. If they test negative, they must complete the 14-day isolation period.

Members of their household will not have to stay at home unless the person identified becomes symptomatic, at which point they must also self-isolate for 14 days to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.

How Will They Be Contacted?

They'll be contacted by email, text or phone. Text messages will come from the NHS. Calls will come from 0300 0135000. Children under 18 will be contacted by phone wherever possible and asked for their parent or guardian's permission to continue the call.

What Happens Next?

They'll be asked to sign in to the NHS Test and Trace contact tracing website. On the contact tracing website, they'll be asked for information including: their name, date of birth and postcode if they live with other people any places they've been recently, such as a workplace or school names and contact details of any people they were in close contact with in the 48 hours before their symptoms started (if they know these details) If they cannot use the contact tracing website, they'll be asked for this information over the phone. 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 them to set up a password or PIN number over the phone ask them to call a premium rate number, such as those starting 09 or 087

DCC - National Beacon Council

Local councils are to play a central role in developing new local track and trace plans for their local areas.  Devon County Council is one of 11 national Beacon Councils – the only one in the South West – and will help lead and share good practice across the region. Find out more at Devon County Council's News Centre