Test and Trace for Thurrock

Thurrock Council is working with NHS Test and Trace to ensure anyone that has symptoms of Covid-19 is tested quickly and plans are in place to prevent the virus spreading in the borough.

In addition to the national testing programme, Thurrock Council’s Outbreak Control Plan sets out a local strategy to prevent and control Covid-19 in Thurrock, and is primarily focused on preventing, monitoring and reducing the spread of Covid-19 at a local level.

A Thurrock Local Operation Control Centre has been set up, and its main responsibility is to identify and manage any potential Covid-19 outbreaks in what are deemed ‘high risk’ settings – these include schools, care homes, primary care centres, work places and vulnerable groups within the borough. The work of this centre will include supporting local testing and contact tracing within these settings to manage outbreaks and prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Cllr Allen Mayes, Cabinet Member for Health, said:

“We have all done tremendously well keeping the infection rate down and now it is vital that we continue that good work.

“The best way to do this is to all play our part by following the health advice, social distancing guidance and making sure that if you feel any symptoms you get tested and follow all the advice you get from the NHS Test and Trace service.

“Our sacrifice and dedication so far has got us to this stage. Now we all need to take responsibility for continuing to stop the spread of the virus.

“We must all follow social distancing guidance and be alert for symptoms. Anyone displaying any symptoms should self-isolate immediately and get tested straight away. After that follow any advice you get from NHS Test and Trace and ensure you answer all their questions honestly.

“We have good plans in place to stop local outbreaks but this relies on everyone playing their part, staying alert and responding properly if they have symptoms or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace.”

Anyone contacted by Test and Trace to say they have been in contact with someone infected by coronavirus will need to self-isolate for 14 days, not going out or having any visitors to your home. Other people in the household do not need to self-isolate unless they have symptoms.

Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by Test and Trace. It is vital they answer all questions honestly and with as much information as possible.

More information on test and trace is available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/

The Outbreak Control Plan can we viewed thurrock.gov.uk/coronavirus