Councils hiring more contact tracers amid fears of winter surge

AS THE coronavirus pandemic continues into its sixth month in Wales, local authorities are preparing for case numbers to increase again this winter, writes Jillian MacMath.

And to carry out the government’s Test, Trace, Protect plan, councils are hiring more people to work as contact tracers to reduce the spread of the virus.

Both Newport and Caerphilly councils are now hiring for the roles, which are fixed term until March 2021.

And despite requiring no previous experience, the positions pay up to £30,000 per annum.

What do the jobs entail?

■ The contact-tracing teams are responsible for tracing and tracking positive cases of Covid-19, as part of the Welsh Government’s Test, Trace, Protect programme.

■ The role of the contact tracer is to work with people who have tested positive for coronavirus and interview them to establish who they have been in recent close contact with.

■ Tracers will be asked to record the details of those contacts so they can be contacted and given appropriate advice.

■ They will also provide advice on how those who have tested positive can look after themselves, details of isolation dates and where to seek further help if required.

Detailed scripts and training will be available to successful applicants.

In Newport, the council is hiring for a number of full-time roles, but is also considering part-time applications.

According to the advert: “The role does require flexibility as you could be requested to work across seven days a week over 8am-8pm with rotas being agreed and issued in advance.”

While the job is home based, there may be the requirement to attend sites in Newport for training, equipment and activities linked to the role.

All applicants should be available to attend a council facility within Newport at short notice.

Successful applicants can expect to earn anywhere from £26,999 £30,597 per year.

In Caerphilly, full-time and part-time applicants are also welcome. Payment for the role ranges from £24,313 to £26,999 per annum.