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A new NHS Test and Trace service has been launched to help identify, contain and control coronavirus, reduce the spread and save lives.
The national test centre at Stansted Airport and local centres, including Harlow Football Club, are geared up to offer testing – to be administered by parents – for under 5s, as well as adults.
NHS Test and Trace
Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about their recent contacts. This could include household members, people with whom they have been in direct contact, or within 2 metres for more than 15 minutes.
People identified as having been in close contact with someone who has had a positive test must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms, in order to stop unknowingly spreading the virus.
If those in isolation develop symptoms, they can book a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. If they test positive, they must continue to stay at home for 7 days or until their symptoms have passed. If they test negative, they must still complete the 14-day isolation period.
Members of their household will not have to stay at home unless the person identified develops symptoms, at which point they must also self-isolate for 14 days to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.
People who are contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service will be given clear information explaining what they must do and how they can access local support if needed. Guidance is also available online at www.gov.uk/coronavirus. This comes as the Department for Work and Pensions has announced that those having to self-isolate will be eligible for statutory sick pay if they are unable to work from home. This applies across the 4 nations of the UK.
Together we can help contain the virus
Leader of Council Cllr Chris Whitbread said:
Test and Trace has been introduced by the Government as a new measure to beat this dreadful virus. It is still vital for us all to continue social distancing and regular hand washing, to enable us to emerge more safely from lockdown.
Let’s work together as a community to beat Covid-19.
Getting tested for COVID-19
Anyone who lives in Essex who has symptoms of coronavirus can now get tested.
Find out how and where you can get tested at:
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