The NHS Test and Trace programme aims to contain the spread of coronavirus. We all need to play our part.
Anyone with a fever, a continuous cough, or loss of smell or taste should immediately self-isolate for seven days and arrange to get a coronavirus test.
It is important to get tested as close as possible to when your symptoms start, and at least within three days. The test is painless and involves taking a cotton bud sample from your mouth and nose. It does not take long. You can request a test online or book a test by calling 119.
Once a test is requested, you will be asked to attend a test site or carry out a test at home. Results should be available within 48 hours.
Members of your household also need to self-isolate for 14 days from when your symptoms first showed. All of you must stay at home and not see anyone outside of your household. This is because people can have the virus yet be free of symptoms for up to two weeks. You should also tell people you have been in close contact with over the previous 48 hours that you have coronavirus symptoms.
THE TEST RESULTS
If the result is negative, you and your household can come out of self-isolation.
However, if the result is positive, you and your household must complete your self-isolation – and you should receive a text or email alert from the NHS. The alert will ask you to share details of the people you have been in close, recent contact with – and also places you have recently visited – to help protect those most at risk. No one contacted will be told your identity.
‘HELP THE EFFORT TO SAVE LIVES’
Councillor Binda Rai, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for health and adult services, said: “We are fortunate to be in a position where lockdown has been partially lifted and it is possible to see some of our loved ones. But it is really important we continue to follow the guidance set by government.
“If you have any symptoms, you need to book a test and isolate. It is really easy. You can take the test yourself, and you will have the results in days. So, please help the effort to save lives by following the guidance; ordering a test when you have symptoms; and isolating.”
TEST AND TRACE IN EALING
Ealing Council has created a plan to help prevent the virus spreading in the borough and to control the virus in the event of a local outbreak, in partnership with all other London boroughs. You can see more on the Ealing Council website.
Find out more information about NHS Test and Trace on their website.
