Crucial system fighting
The NHS Test and Trace service brings together testing, contact tracing and outbreak management into an end-to-end service to stop the spread of the virus and help us move out of lockdown.itiscentraltotheukgovernment’s coronavirusrecoverystrategyandwill enable life to return to as close to normal as possible, for as many people as possible, in a way that is safe and protects our NHS and social care. The primary objective of NHS Test and Trace is to control the rate of reproduction, to reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.
DATA ON positive laboratory tests is fed into the contact tracing system, which automatically contacts people with COVID-19 by text or email and invites them to log into the system and provide a range of information about where they have been and who they have met.
People with confirmed COVID-19 will receive a phone call from a health professional if, for instance, they are unable to use the web-based system, they only have a landline, are under 18 years old or have not responded to emails and texts.
If a person with COVID-19 works in or has visited a venue like a care home, school hospital or prison this can be considered for escalation to a Public Health England (PHE) health protection expert.
Once the person with COVID-19 has inputted the details of their any close recent contacts (or a health professional entering details on their behalf ) these contacts would themselves receive a text or email notification, explaining the need to self-isolate and inviting them to use the webbased system to receive further information.
Once contacts log-in, it will provide them with appropriate health advice including what to do if they experience symptoms.
Call handlers will follow up any contacts who can’t be reached by text or email. As the NHS Test and Trace service progresses, it is looking at the feasibility of asking people with symptoms of COVID-19 to use the web-based system from the moment they order a test so that information on their contacts is ready immediately if as soon as a positive result is confirmed, or their test result is delayed.
The UK Government says the NHS Test and Trace service will provide protection for family, friends, colleagues and community. It is here to keep all of us safe.
Before a vaccine can be found to beat coronavirus, it says contact tracing is the most effective way of controlling the spread of the virus and is being used around the world alongside social distancing and hygiene measures.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE: The NHS Test and Trace messaging on a high street billboard.