The new NHS Test and Trace service is now live. This means in South Derbyshire we can identify those who have had the coronavirus and been in close proximity to this person, less than 2 meters for 15 minutes. They will then be asked to self -isolate for 14 days even if they have no symptoms.
Contact tracers are already making their first phone calls across the country this morning, working to stop the spread of this virus. There are 25,000 callers tracing people across the UK, able to trace 10,000 people who have tested positive and find those who they have been in contact with to stop them unknowingly spreading the virus. If those isolating develop symptoms they can then book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
As we speed up the ability to test and trace we can gradually move from a state of lockdown to a more localised approach, where we can spot hot spots and request individuals to self-isolate. The number of cases every day is decreasing but we must still remain alert and ready to act when necessary.
People in South Derbyshire have been doing a fantastic job following advice and todays news will help us get one step closer to a sense of normality.
