Responding to the publication of the latest NHS Test and Trace and coronavirus testing figures, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“It is hugely concerning that the national test and trace system is going backwards in the number of close contacts reached of those who have tested positive for coronavirus.
“If we are to prevent this second wave from escalating further, we need the system to meet the recommended 80 per cent benchmark if it is to have any chance of success.
“Local health protection teams have reached 94.8 per cent of complex cases assigned to them, asking people to self-isolate and stop the spread.
“Councils across the country have now launched their own locally-supported contact tracing arrangements, to complement the national system, but continue to need clearer, more precise information on who they should be trying to contact as soon as possible.
“This should include details such as occupation and workplace, working with police and others to share local intelligence, alongside the right resources including funding and recruiting extra personnel to work on the ground and respond quickly to outbreaks.”
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