"Everybody has to play their part in helping to get this pandemic under control. It is good that the NHS Test and Trace system is reaching the majority of those who tested positive and who are passing on details of their close contacts, but it is still concerning that nearly 20 per cent of positive cases cannot be found."
Responding to the publication of the NHS Test and Trace service figures for the period 25 June – 1 July 2020, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“Everybody has to play their part in helping to get this pandemic under control. It is good that the NHS Test and Trace system is reaching the majority of those who tested positive and who are passing on details of their close contacts, but it is still concerning that nearly 20 per cent of positive cases cannot be found.
“Councils remain ready to work with the Government so they can use their experience and expertise to help contact and trace these people. Those testing positive for the virus have a responsibility to help halt its transmission and protect those most at risk, including older people and those who are most vulnerable.
“More information is being shared with councils but we also need to see improvements to the individual case data, including making the data available daily, adding UPRNs (property reference numbers), and providing more information about workplaces.
“The public and those working on the frontline need to have a complete picture of the impact this virus has had in our neighbourhoods and communities. With the right powers, flexibilities, data and long-term funding, councils can help to manage potential outbreaks and prevent the spread of infection.”
Notes to editors
- The LGA represents more than 330 councils of all types across England. We work on behalf of our members to support, promote and improve local government.
- It is councils who had led communities through the COVID-19 crisis. Our recent polling shows that 71 per cent of residents trust their council and two thirds are satisfied with the way their local council runs things in their area. Our new discussion paper - Re-thinking Local - sets out how councils must now be empowered to locally-lead the COVID-19 recovery and tackle the economic, environmental and community challenges that we will face as a result of the pandemic.