How well is Test and Trace working in Sunderland?

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Data from the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) shows 406 people who tested positive for Covid-19 in the city were transferred to the Test and Trace service between May 28 and September 9 – leading to 1,180 close contacts being identified.

But the figures reveal 394 – 33% – of these could not be reached by contact tracers and directed to a call centre or online.

The DHSC says a close contact is deemed to be ‘not reached’ when there is no response to text, email or call reminders, or when their communication details were not available.

The coronavirus Test and Trace system is only reaching 67% of close contacts in Sunderland

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Across England 64% of close contacts were reached and told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace in the week to September 9 and the Government has faced mounting pressure over failings in the system.

Saffron Cordery, chief executive of NHS Providers, said this falls "well short" of the 80% target.

She said: “Trust leaders are increasingly concerned with the current testing shortages impacting on NHS service recovery and winter preparations due to staff and their family members being unable to access a test.

“Additionally, with the number of positive Covid-19 cases increasing, but a reduction in the proportion being contact traced, we are looking at renewed pressure on the NHS."

Baroness Dido Harding, who heads up the NHS Test and Trace service, admitted last week that demand for tests was outstripping capacity but denied claims that the system was "failing".

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She suggested around a quarter of those coming forward for a test did not have symptoms.

Under new rules, from September 28, people will legally have to self-isolate for 14 days if they test positive for coronavirus, or are instructed to do by NHS Test and Trace.

Fines for non-compliance will start at £1,000 – rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders.

People on benefits will be eligible for a one-off support payment of £500 if they face a loss of earnings as a result of having to quarantine.