City gets £2m to help prepare for new local outbreaks

COVENTRY has been given £2 million to help prepare for local coronavirus outbreaks.

The funding has been awarded by the government for the track and trace system.

Test and trace was introduced in England at the end of May and is seen as vital to help contain coronavirus outbreaks in local communities.

The programme involves tracing and advising people who have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.

Coventry - alongside Solihull and Warwickshire - was one of 11 local authority areas chosen to originally pilot the scheme.

As part of a wider expansion, council’s across England have now been given a slice of £300m to “develop tailored outbreak control plans” in their areas.

Minister for Patient Safety, Suicide Prevention and Mental Health, Nadine Dorries, said: “Local authorities play a vital role in the effort to contain Covid-19 in their communities.

“The funding awarded today will help each local area work hand in hand with Public Health England and contact tracers to focus on the containment of local outbreaks, to control the transmission of this virus.

“The public response to the rollout of NHS Test and Trace has been fantastic, and we continue to rely on everyone to play their part and follow the latest guidelines.

“If you have symptoms of the virus, please book a test immediately and if you are contacted by the tracing service, it is vital that you follow their advice.”

A new National Local Government Advisory Board has also been established to work with NHS Test and Trace, which includes sharing best practice between communities across the country.

Work to share lessons learned is being led by Coventry City Council and the 10 other pilot local authorities, which also includes neighbouring authorities in Solihull and Warwickshire.as part of the new funding, Solihull council has been given just over £1m, while Warwickshire has been given £2.1m.