Wearsiders to be tasked with helping Test and Trace in a bid to bring down Sunderland's soaring Covid cases

Sunderland City Council will lead the new service to enhance the work of NHS Test and Trace by tracking down positive cases the national team has been unable to reach.

The option for councils to provide local contract tracing comes in addition to the national scheme and it believes it could play a vital part in reducing the spread of Covid in the community.

Case numbers in the city have doubled in recent weeks, with a new strain of the virus being given as the reason for the spike.

Local contact tracers will be able to answer questions people have, including whether they need any support to self-isolate.

The council has been pressing for the service, which has been set up within a fortnight after getting the go ahead from the NHS.

Gerry Taylor, the council’s Executive Director of Public Health and Integrated Commissioning, said: “We want to let them know about this service and what it does, so they know what to expect if they are contacted.

"We hope that our communities will feel more comfortable engaging with the wrap-around service we are aiming to offer, which will also direct people to help with self isolation payments and support with shopping, medication or essential supplies."

People contacted by the service will first receive a text message from the council informing that someone will be contacting them to discuss their recent test.

If the council isn't able to contact them by phone within 48 hours it will write to them asking them to get in touch.

The service will operate seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.

Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence and will only be used to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Anyone who needs support to self-isolate can contact the council on 0800 234 6084.

Gerry added: "We appreciate that self-isolation is a difficult ask.

"However, it is essential to reducing the spread of Covid-19 to others in the community.

"With the new variant of Covid spreading rapidly across the country it’s more important than ever that we do everything we can to keep our communities safe."

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today.

Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.