Posted on Jun 01, 2020
In recent weeks, the Government has employed 25,000 contact tracers who have been tasked to carry out detective work to find the people who have been in contact with those known to be infected with the coronavirus. As well as this, trials have been underway throughout May for the NHS Contact Tracing App in the Isle of Wight and this is expected to be launched across the rest of England this month. So, how does it all work?
Who can get tested?
Right now, anyone displaying symptoms of the coronavirus can get tested. If you test positive for the virus, you will be asked to log these details onto the NHS Track and Trace website. You will then need to recollect the places you have recently visited and provide the names and details of those you were in close contact within the 48 hours before you started to display symptoms. ‘Close contact’ is defined as those that you spend over 15 minutes with without maintaining a distance of 2m or over and people you’ve had direct contact with of a distance less than 1m.
Manual contact tracing
The newly recruited contact tracers have the role of getting in touch with everyone who has been in close and sustained contact with someone who is known to be infected with the virus. Anyone who is contacted will then be asked to self-isolate for two weeks. The idea behind this is that it allows for more targeted lockdowns, which could eventually negate the need for a national lockdown. When the contact tracers reach out to those you have been into contact with, they will not reveal your identity.
If you’re contacted by the tracers, you will be expected to quarantine. This means you should not leave your home for any reason including exercising outdoors or food shopping. Other members of your household will not be expected to isolate but should take extra precautions in terms of social distancing and hygiene. At present, there are no measures in place to enforce this self-isolation, however, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed that while he is sure people will comply, “we will not hesitate to introduce tougher measures, for example making visits to check they’re home or issuing fines if they are found outside the house”.
For businesses, you must ensure that any employees who are self-isolating receive sick pay if they are unable to work from home during this time – you can also give them the option to use their paid leave days. You may be able to claim this back through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme.
NHS Covid-19 Contact Tracing App
The NHS contact tracing app will serve a similar purpose to contact tracers, but it aims to deliver a smarter, more seamless process. This app will automatically alert people if they have been in contact with someone who carries the virus, monitoring your movements through Bluetooth technology. Unlike the manual contact tracing method, this means that you can find out if you’ve been in contact with the virus, even if you aren’t known personally to the person with the virus. In theory, this app will be programmed to better understand who should quarantine and who shouldn’t.
The app will be voluntary at first, although there are speculations that some businesses could make having this app and a clean bill of health a requirement of entering their premises. Once they’ve downloaded the app, users will simply need to keep their phones with them whenever they leave the house and ensure that their Bluetooth is enabled. If you experience COVID-19 symptoms, you would then be expected to log these into the app. The data will then be analysed and alerts will be sent out to anyone you have been in contact with who are deemed at high-risk. You will then be tested. If the results are positive, they will need to remain in self-isolation for two weeks. If they’re negative, they will be told they can stop self-isolating.
How this affects you
For those who run a business, you will likely be concerned about the impact that these periods of localised self-isolation could have on your company, especially if you’re reliant on certain members of the team to carry out particular tasks. To negate your fears, preparation is key. It’s best to make a plan now so that if someone is taken out of action, you have measures in place so another member of staff can carry out the task in question.
If in reaction to these changes, you’re rethinking the way you run your business, you may need to review your insurance cover. That’s where we can help. If you want to talk through any changes you need to make or to book a no-obligation review of your existing policy, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Watkin Davies on 02920 626 226
"Very efficient, always friendly and helpful. I have used Watkin Davies for years, and they have always been competitive. I received great support recently when I had to make a claim, so I'd highly recommend them."
"I was very impressed with the quality of the service - it was outstanding. The advisor, Ms Spear went above and beyond to give me the best driving insurance policy. The policy I have received is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much Ms Spear!"
"I've used Instructorcover Plus for my driving instructor insurance for a number of years. Not only are prices competitive, even at renewal, but customer service is fantastic. Call operators are always cheerful and incredibly helpful. Everything is always sorted in a single call, saving valuable time. Highly recommend."
"Absolutely superb service from the team, particularly Natalie. Very easy and simple process"
"As aways very efficient"
"I have used InstructorcoverPlus for my driving tuition insurance for a number of years. Their prices are always competitive and everyone I speak to is friendly and helpful."
"Ceri was very helpful and knowledgeable on the phone"
"Karrie Brewer was so helpful today, especially as one insurance company would not quote, so had to shop around for us, many thanks"
"Kelly is amazing. Very helpful and friendly, did a great job today with helping me out to get insured. Amazing service!"
"Great service. Got my first driving instructor insurance with this firm. Price was competitive and customer service provided by Jane was great. I will definitely recommend the service."
"Team were very helpful when it came time to renew my policy, taking the time to check and make any amendments needed. Would highly recommend."
"5 stars!"
"Excellent service from Watkin Davies as per usual. I love the way they do all the hard work researching best quotes and provide you with your options. All the staff are very friendly and professional, I have to highlight Ceri who always does a fantastic job for me and my family."
"Really helpful and efficient customer service, friendly and knowledgeable too. I would highly recommend InstructorcoverPlus."
"I m a returning customer and what a wonderful experience. Emma is new to her role but she was very helpful and polite throughout. She got the quote done very quickly and managed to beat all my other quotations. I therefore didn't have to waste any more time. Further she offered me three instalments at 0% which is helpful in this current economic climate. The paperwork was sent straight away. Highly recommended."
"Once again, could not have been more helpful! Still a pleasure to speak to a 'real person' who knew what they were talking about!"