Tom: Take care if a Covid-19 contact tracer calls
Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur is urging people to exercise caution should they be called by a contact tracer.
Scotland’s Test and Protect approach to dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic is now live across the country.
The test, trace, isolate, support strategy will see officials contacting people who have tested positive and ask them to identify others who they’ve been in close contact.
They will also be asked about the places they’ve been 48 hours prior to developing symptoms up until the time they’ve self-isolated.
This information will then be used in contact tracing software to identify and contact those involved.
Importantly, contact tracers will not ask anyone for information about bank accounts or medical records, and they will not try to sell anything.
The data gathered will be stored securely by NHS Scotland and safely destroyed as soon as possible after the pandemic concludes.
Mr Arthur said: “I understand that people may be worried about the risks of potential phone scams, but the NHS already has a number of protections in place to stop potential fraudsters and ensure all information is kept confidential.
“Contact tracers will introduce themselves, state the reason for their call, and will always identify who they are calling by name. They will not ask for information about bank accounts or medical records, and they will not try to sell you anything.
“The tracers will be supported by software which builds on a tried and trusted platform, allowing teams to identify outbreaks and reduce transmission for high risk groups here in Renfrewshire.
“Trace and Protect is one way we will tackle this pandemic, but physical distancing and good hand hygiene continues to play a huge role as minimise the spread of infection.”
The positive individual will not be named by the contact tracer in line with patient confidentiality, unless they agree to have their details disclosed to help the contact tracing process.
If you experience any one of the Covid- 19 symptoms, a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, you must immediately self-isolate for a minimum of seven days.
As soon as you start showing symptoms you should go to www.nhsinform.scot or call 0800 028 2816 to arrange to get tested.
The NHS already has a number of protections in place to stop potentntial fraudsters