Brent set to launch local Test and Trace service

https://www.brent.gov.uk/council-news/november-2020/brent-set-to-launch-local-test-and-trace-service/

10 November 2020

Brent Council is set to launch a local Test and Trace service to help contact residents who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Residents who have tested positive will be phoned by a team from the council if the national NHS Test and Trace team have not been able to reach them in the first 24 hours.

The council will be making sure that those with a positive test can be linked up with council services and local community support to help them while they self-isolate. They will also be asked for information about their recent close contacts so that these people can be told to self-isolate too.

Calls will be starting from Wednesday 11 November and will come from a local phone number beginning with 020 8937.

To ensure this information can be captured as quickly as possible, rather than waiting for a call, residents are encouraged to log their contacts online as soon as they receive a positive test result. Residents won’t receive a call if this information has already been provided.

If you have been asked to self-isolate, you may be entitled to a Test and Trace Support payment of £500. This is for residents on lower incomes who cannot work from home and have lost income as a result. Go online to find out more and check if you’re eligible.

Dr Melanie Smith, Director of Public Health at Brent Council, said:

“We are looking forward to launching our local Test and Trace service which we hope will make sure residents self-isolating get the right support and help us see where the virus may be spreading so that we can protect the community from COVID-19.

“That’s why it’s important that if you get a call from us, you provide as much information as possible. Or better still, don’t wait for us to call – go online first.

“As well as this, everyone should continue to wash their hands regularly, wear a face covering in public spaces and keep a safe distance from others.

“Please also carry on following the government’s guidance and remember, if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, book a test straight away by calling us on 020 8937 4440.

“If we all do this, together we can help keep Brent safe.”

To find out more about COVID-19 and the latest advice, visit www.brent.gov.uk/coronavirus