New Wandsworth-based Covid-19 case tracing service to launch

By The Editor 3rd Nov 2020

Local News by The Editor 3rd Nov 2020

The council is launching a new Wandsworth-based case tracing system this week for people who test positive for Covid-19.

On average NHS Test and Trace have only been able to contact 80 per cent of Wandsworth cases. To boost the success-rate a new locally delivered service will launch on November 4.

The service will step in when NHS Test and Trace teams cannot contact new cases within 24 hours.

You can find our article on the number of coronavirus cases in Tooting HERE.

Specially trained local call handlers from Wandsworth Council will make further attempts to contact cases, including checking local information to clarify and improve data details.

Cllr Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: "A locally-based Test and Trace team will mean more people with Covid-19 in Wandsworth can be quickly contacted, as well giving the council the opportunity to offer advice and support to people and their families if they need it, including information on Test and Trace support payments.

"If you receive a call, please pick up and if you are instructed to self-isolate please do so. Failure to comply would be a breach of the law and you could be fined."

At present, the complex process of case and contact tracing is done entirely by Public Health England from their regional team, but more of the effort will move to the local authority.

The local contact tracing service will be operating 6 days a week, with calls to people who have tested positive for Covid-19 coming from a local Wandsworth (0208) number.

If the call-handlers are unable to contact the individual by telephone, they will receive SMS messages or a home visit as a last resort.