How Test and Trace works

The NHS Test and Trace service makes sure that anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 can quickly get a test to find out if they have the virus. It also traces close contacts of anyone with the virus to ensure they self-isolate to stop the virus from spreading.

What you can do

If you have access to a smartphone please download the NHS COVID-19 app.  The app will notify you if you come into contact with someone who later tests positive for COVID-19.

You can use the app to:

1. Check into venues using the venues displayed QR code.
   It is a legal requirement for local businesses to display a QR code poster linked to the App. This information will be used if NHS Test and Trace need to contact everybody attending a venue on a specific day and time. This is most likely to happen if there is evidence the virus has spread at that venue on that day.
2. Log your own test results if you test positive.
   If you log a positive test then the App will be able to notify other App users who have been in close contact with you, inform them they have been exposed, and advise them to self-isolate.
3. Be informed if you are exposed to someone who has a positive test for COVID-19.
   If you have close contact with someone who later tests positive for COVID-19, and that contact was within their infectious period, your App should notify you of that contact and advise you to self-isolate.

The how NHS Test and Trace Works website explains how Test and Trace will contact you if you have a positive test or if you have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, it is very important that you provide information about the close contact you have had with others as quickly and as completely as possible. This is vital to stopping the spread of the virus.

It is important you provide information about everybody you have had close contact with, even if you live with them, or have already advised them they need to isolate. This is so they can access payments to support isolation if they are eligible.

The government are reviewing the advice for contacts of people who have tested positive for COVID-19, but currently, it is still necessary to self-isolate if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus. This website will be updated if and when this advice changes.