Local contact tracing by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s public protection team is being launched today, Tuesday 19th January, as part of continued efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The council has launched the service to support and complement the national NHS Test & Trace system and to ensure that people who have tested positive know that they need to isolate, share their close contacts and are aware of the support available to them.
People who have been unable to be contacted by NHS Test & Trace within 24 hours will be referred to the council’s Public Protection team.
The team will then contact the person by text to notify them that they will soon receive a phone call, then three attempts will be made to contact them by phone over a 24-hour period.
Where contact is not made by phone, the council will send a letter asking the person to contact an officer together with a contact tracing questionnaire.
The new system will ensure anyone who needs support from the Community Wellbeing Hub or may be eligible for the £500 self-isolation support payment are made aware of the help available to them during isolation.
The local contact tracing service will run Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm and from 9am to 12.30pm on weekends.
Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “Making sure that people who have tested positive for Covid-19 know they must self-isolate is hugely important in preventing the spread of the virus, which is why we’re introducing this local service to complement NHS Test & Trace.
“If you receive a text from us letting you know one of our team is going to telephone you, please do answer the call and be ready to share with us who your recent close contacts are so we can all work together to protect others.
“Our team will also be able to help you register for the government’s Test & Trace isolation support payment if you think you might be eligible.
“There is also lots of local help available for those who need it during isolation, including from the Community Wellbeing Hub which brings all the support together under one roof.”
The Community Wellbeing Hub can be contacted by:
- Phone: 0300 247 0050 (phone line is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
- Email: [email protected]
- Text: 07870 868368
