New COVID-19 test and trace service launched in UK

LONDON: A new test and trace service operated by the National Health Service (NHS) got underway in England and Scotland on Thursday as the next stage in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic and bringing the UK out of lockdown in gradual steps.

The UK government said the new service will help identify, contain and control Coronavirus and reduce the spread of the deadly virus, which has claimed over 37,000 lives in Britain.

Under the new system, 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 two 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.

As we move to the next stage of our fight against Coronavirus, we will be able to replace national lockdowns with individual isolation and, if necessary, local action where there are outbreaks, said UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

NHS Test and Trace will be vital to stopping the spread of the virus. It is how we will be able to protect our friends and family from infection, and protect our NHS. This new system will help us keep this virus under control while carefully and safely lifting the lockdown nationally, he said.

If those in isolation develop symptoms, they can book a test online or by calling the NHS. 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.

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.

This is a brand new service which has been launched at incredible speed and scale. NHS Test and Trace already employs over 40,000 people, both directly and through trusted partners, who are working hard to deliver both testing and contact tracing at scale, said Dido Harding, Executive Chair of NHS Test and Trace.

NHS Test and Trace will not succeed on its own we all need to play our part. This is why we are working hand-in-hand with communities and local authorities across the country to tailor support at a local level, and respond quickly to local needs. And we will be constantly developing and improving as we go, she said.

As part of the next stage, the government said it has also expanded testing availability for children aged under five, to help support the phased opening of schools and childcare settings in England from June 1. Now, all symptomatic individuals in England will be able to access a test if they need one, with all symptomatic individuals in Wales able to book tests from Saturday.