An enhanced method of Covid contact tracing will be launched in Norwich this week.
From 1 February, Norwich City Council will be coordinating a new system designed to improve the effectiveness of local track and trace procedures.
The local authority had previously made contact with those who had tested positive for Covid; but now they will also be able to contact people who may not have tested positive themselves, but have been listed as a contact for someone who has.
The team will be making phone calls and doorstop visits to inform these people that they need to self-isolate for ten days from that contact. They will spend time with each person understanding what they will need to support them during that self-isolation period.
Support available includes including directing them to self-isolation payments, shopping and medication collection support, and any other community support such as befriending or debt advice.
The council has been granted funds from Public Health Norfolk to support this initiative, with the bulk of their investment used to employ staff to coordinate and perform this vital work. Six have already been appointed, with more to follow.
Councillor Alan Waters, leader of the council, said: “This programme is a huge step forward for us in maintaining the health and wellbeing of our citizens.
“We want to drastically reduce the rate of asymptomatic transmissions in our city, and this new process will support people in keeping themselves and others safe.”
This new service in Norwich forms part of a substantial countywide effort to improve the effectiveness of local contact tracing.
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