We have welcomed the announcement that we are part of a number of beacon councils, nationally, which will play a central role in developing new test and trace plans for local areas which will form part of the government’s coronavirus recovery strategy.

Leader of Torbay Council, Cllr Steve Darling, said: “We will be working closely on the Devon plan with Devon County Council. This plan will help support the new NHS Test and Trace service launched across England this week. The service will help identify, contain and control coronavirus, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.

“Our work will help lead and share good practice across the South West. It also means that we will now be at the forefront of responding to and managing the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak at a local level.”

Councils will receive a share of £300 million to help establish these local plans, which will include coordination and management of infection control, tracking and tracing, and local testing arrangements. 

The new service will ensure that anyone with symptoms will be tested and their close contacts traced. New guidance also requires those who have been in close contact with someone who tests positive to isolate for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms themselves, to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus

For more information on the Test and Trace service is available on the government website.