Authorities working together to bolster track and trace system

Officers from Tendring District Council (TDC), Essex Police and others are working together to help look after people who should be self-isolating.

TDC has recently set-up a Track and Trace team, redeploying staff who work in areas closed down under Covid-19 restrictions, to support the county and national efforts, so far handling almost 180 cases.

Track and Trace sees phone calls made to people who need to self-isolate after a positive Coronavirus test result, or close contact with a case. The scheme begins nationally, but harder-to-reach cases are passed on to local contact tracing teams, who have a high success rate in tracking down these more difficult cases.

By letting people know as quickly as possible, individuals can self-isolate and reduce the risk of passing the virus on to others.

Anyone unable to be reached by phone also has an officer – either one of TDC’s Covid Ambassadors, or from Essex Police – sent to their home to check on them.

Lynda McWilliams, TDC Cabinet Member for Partnerships, said this was important for people’s safety.

“We really want to make sure those positive cases, or those at high risk having been in close contact with someone with Covid-19, is OK,” Cllr McWilliams said.

“This can be done with a phone call, but if people don’t answer we want to check they are OK and not poorly at home with no support, or otherwise struggling.

“Our teams, both on the phone or in person, can help signpost a lot of support which is out there for people isolating – they really are there to help.”

People who are self-isolating can be helped with food and essentials deliveries so they don’t need to leave their home, given self-care advice if they are suffering with mild symptoms, or advised on how to get a Covid-19 test if they are a contact. Financial support may also available for those who cannot work from home.

Full advice and guidance can be viewed at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/coronavirus or, for those without internet access, by calling the Tendring Shield helpline on 01255 686700.

Cllr McWilliams added: “Now we are taking on some Track and Trace duties it’s really important that if you receive a call you do answer the phone and take it.

“If you are concerned about scams – and people should always be cautious – then you can all us back to verify the information. We will also never ask for your bank details.”

The Track and Trace team can be contacted on 01255 686500 or at tendringtrackandtrace@tendringdc.gov.uk.