Test and Trace system being boosted in Tendring
The district council has set up a Track and Trace team
Last updated 20th Jan 2021
Authorities in Tendring are joining forces to help look after people who should be self-isolating.
The district council has 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, the team has handled almost 180 cases.
Through Track and Trace, people who need to self-isolate are contacted 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.
Anyone who cannot be reached by phone also has an officer – either one of Tendring District Council’s Covid Ambassadors, or from Essex Police – sent to their home to check on them.
Lynda McWilliams, the council's cabinet member for partnerships, said it is 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.
"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 essential deliveries so they do not 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 found online 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 .