Wandsworth to launch local test and trace system today

By Tom Hussey

A borough will launch its own track and trace system for people who test positive with coronavirus.

Wandsworth council is to launch the new borough-based tracing system today.

So far NHS Test and Trace has only been able to contact around 80 per cent of Wandsworth cases.

Councillor Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth council, said: “A locally-based Test and Trace team will mean more people with Covid-19 in Wandsworth can be quickly contacted.”

He also said the scheme will give the council the opportunity to offer advice and support to people and families if they need it, including information on Test and Trace support payments.

He said: “If you receive a call, please pick up and if you are instructed to self-isolate, please do so. Failure to comply would be a breach of the law and you could be fined.”

The tracing service will operate six-days-a-week, with calls to people who have tested positive for Covid-19 coming from a Wandsworth (0208) number.

The service will step in when NHS Test and Trace teams cannot contact new cases within 24 hours.

The call handlers will be from Wandsworth council.

If the call-handlers are unable to contact the individual by telephone, they will receive SMS messages or a home visit as a last resort.

Wandsworth recorded 137.1 positive coronavirus cases per 100,000 people on Monday.