Test, Track And Trace Must Draw On Local Expertise
Today the Government announced £300m additional funding for local authorities to support the new Test and Trace Service, allowing them to develop and action their plans to reduce the spread of the virus within their areas.
Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents organisations across the healthcare sector, said:
“This is good news – we called for local organisations and systems to be properly involved in this work. If the test, track and trace operation is to work effectively it must draw on local insight and public health expertise.
“The importance of this cannot be overstated – short of a vaccine, this is the way to contain outbreaks. We will need boots on the ground, in workplaces, housing complexes and other community settings, and helping with the most vulnerable.
“We need more detail about the strategy, including how the £300 million will be allocated, but this is a genuine and positive step forward compared to where we were just days ago.”