Local test and trace service goes live in Sussex
It'll contact those who can't be reached by the national NHS one
A new service to support the national NHS Test and Trace system has gone live across Sussex on Thursday (November 26th).
The system will contact individuals in both West Sussex and East Sussex who have received a positive coronavirus test result, but who were unable to be contacted by the national system within 48 hours.
It will get in touch with those individuals via email, phone or text, while also providing advice regarding a positive result and how long they would need to self-isolate for.
The local service will also be on hand to collect details of the individuals' contacts during their infectious period and enter them into the national NHS Test and Trace system for the national team to get in contact with.
Developed in partnership with the West Sussex Community Hub, the service will also offer additional support to those required, including details on how to receive food and medication deliveries.
The service will operate between 8am-8pm seven days a week, including public and bank holidays.
Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said:
"Our COVID-19 Community Hub was set-up to support our most vulnerable residents when the pandemic started.
"The extension of our service to now include support for the national NHS Test and Trace system is another example of how we are doing all we can to keep residents safe and our case numbers down.
"We are also really pleased that our team is supporting our neighbouring county, East Sussex, with their local Test and Trace calls.
"This strong partnership working highlights how important it is that councils continue to work together to keep residents safe during this challenging time."
Residents in West Sussex who need to be contacted by the Community Hub will receive a text, call or email from one of the below:
" Text: COVID TRACE
" Phone: 01243 642153
" Email: West Sussex County Council Local COVID Tracing Partnership
The Community Hub will then ask individuals for the following details:
" Their name, date of birth and postcode;
" If they live with other people;
" Any places they've been recently, such as a workplace or school;
" Names and contact details of any people they were in close contact with within the 48 hours before their symptoms started (if they know these details).
The Community Hub will NOT:
" Ask for bank details or payments;
" Ask for details of any other accounts, such as social media;
" Ask residents to set up a password or PIN number over the phone;
" Ask residents to call a premium rate number, such as those starting 09 or 087.