FIFERS WITH CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS URGED TO GET TESTED TO REDUCE SPREAD IN THE KINGDOM
NHS Fife is urging Fifers with any symptoms of coronavirus to access testing as part of the effort to reduce the spread of the virus in the Kingdom.
Last month the Scottish Government announced the launch of the ‘Test and Protect’ programme, enabling anyone in Scotland who developed symptoms of coronavirus to be tested.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Those with symptoms must get tested as soon as possible and this can be requested using the UK Government Citizens’ Portal at: https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 0800 028 2816. Individuals can choose whether to attend one of the UK Government testing sites or request a home testing kit to be delivered to their home.
The lockdown helped contribute to a reduction in the transmission of infection. The easing of lockdown measures is expected to lead to a gradual increase in the numbers of those developing the virus. The close contacts of those who contract the virus will then require to be traced in order to limit onward transmission.
Contact tracing is an established method of reducing transmission of communicable disease and NHS Fife’s Public Health Team is well-versed in carrying out the process.
Contact tracing involves the following steps:
- Self-reporting of symptoms,
- Testing suspected cases,
- Tracing the contacts of those infected
- Isolating and protecting
A new software system was developed nationally to assist in the tracing contacts of those who test positive for covid-19 and NHS Fife was one of three Health Boards chosen to user test the system. The new software should enable Health Boards to perform contact tracing faster and on a much larger scale than could have been done previously, while also contributing towards building an informed picture of the prevalence of the virus nationally.
NHS Fife has rapidly expanded its contact tracing team with a programme of training completed and continuing to support staff in the use of the new software. While the numbers of those requiring contact tracing remains very low currently, more than 30 staff have already been trained in using the new software and it is anticipated that around 50 staff will be in place each day by the end of June 2020. This will increase still further in line with Scottish Government guidance as needed.
The numbers of contacts traced across Scotland is published by Public Health Scotland (https://publichealthscotland.scot/) at 12pm each Wednesday starting 10 June 2020.
NHS Fife Director of Public Health, Dona Milne said:
“Effective contact tracing is a tried and tested method of breaking the chain of transmission for communicable diseases like covid-19.
“By identifying those who have come into close contact with individuals who have tested positive for the virus, we can provide the support and advice to prevent the virus being spread further.
“Contact tracing is most effective when individuals take the right steps to protect their families, friends and their community by self-isolating – this means maintaining distance from other family members wherever possible, not leaving the house for exercise or work and not visiting the shops for food or other essential items.
“Crucially, we know that those carrying covid-19 are often most infectious in the first few days after symptoms develop so it is important that people isolate themselves immediately, rather than waiting until they have received a positive result.
“While contact tracing assists us to reduce the spread of the virus, it does not negate the need to practice physical distancing, good hand washing and environmental hygiene such as cleaning surfaces, door handles etc. It is massively important that people to continue to follow the guidance provided by Scottish Government so that we can minimise the numbers of people contracting the virus here in Fife. We would like to thank people in Fife for following the guidance over this past few months, it really does make a difference. ”
A local online support hub has been created to provide information on testing for covid-19, and updates on services affected by the pandemic. Visit: https://coronavirus.nhsfife.org/
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Issued: 10 June 2020
