UK Government launches NHS Test and Trace service

Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus in England will now be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about their recent interactions. 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 a positive test must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms, to stop unknowingly spreading the virus.

If those in isolation develop symptoms, they can book a test at 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 complete the 14-day isolation period. You can find further guidance here.

There is specific guidance on the NHS test and trace service for employers, business, workers and the self-employed which can be found here

Test and Protect in Scotland has also been launched today.Test, Trace, Protect in Wales will launch on 1 June 2020 and contact tracing in Northern Ireland is currently up and running.