Local Test & Trace Making a Difference in Scarborough, Filey and Whitby

The introduction of a locally run element of the Test and Trace system is having a positive impact according to the County Council.

In the last week, Scarborough district has seen the highest rate of new COVID cases in North Yorkshire, and the highest seven-day rate of new cases per 100,000 people.

As part of the effort to combat the spread of the virus extra testing sites have been deployed in the borough.

The permanent testing site at William Street car park in Scarborough has been supplemented with a pop-up site at the town's park and ride. There have also been temporary testing sites this week in Whitby, in Filey for the first time at the Country Park and this Sunday there will be testing in Thornton le Dale.

In addition the County Council launched a local test and trace system two weeks ago. This is integrated into to the national system.

If the national Test and Trace system is unable to contact a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 and provide details to the national online system within 24 hours, this is then handed to the local contact tracing team for follow-up.

Local contact tracing calls are undertaken by trained staff in the county council’s Customer Resource Centre, who will provide a seven-day-a-week service (9am-5pm Mon-Fri and 10am-1pm Sat-Sun).

Dr Victoria Walker is a public health consultant with North Yorkshire County Council. She says the local test and trace system is making a difference.

In an update to residents this week the County Council explained how the testing sites in the county are operating

"Testing sites in North Yorkshire, as elsewhere in England, are operated and managed by the Department of Health and Social Care and private contractors employed by them. We try to help the department by promoting the Mobile Testing Site locations and hosting information on how people with symptoms can book a test via the national government portal. We do not manage the national booking system or laboratory testing process.

Indications are that lab testing capacity is improving but, if you are unable to book a test at a local site straight away, please keep checking as availability varies during the day.

We are also supporting the Department in asking the public only to get a test if they are directed to do so by NHS Test and Trace or other NHS services – OR – if they have symptoms, to ensure that those people who need tests the most can be prioritised.

Before you attend you must book a test. Tests can be booked from 8pm the night before. "

The council also say that as a result of the rapid increase of cases in the Scarborough Borough, they have ramped up efforts to bring the number of cases back down, putting in place a number of measures including....

Community Engagement

• Police colleagues and COVID Marshalls have been a visible presence in communities across Scarborough district and have been supporting the distribution of the leaflets to homes, across the borough concentrating on villages and town centres.  Social isolation and financial support information will also be provided at local test centres.
• Trading Standards have visited over 100 businesses over the past week to ensure they are complying with relevant guidance. They’ve been supporting businesses by supplying any resources, listening to any challenges and discussing how to keep themselves and customers safe.

Enforcement

• North Yorkshire Police have increases patrols in the locality, particularly to the North of the borough
• There has been a noted increase in enforcement action taken over the past week with more engagement with the public and proactive measures to ensure compliance with all current legislation.

Communications

• An advertising van has visited different areas of Scarborough district in the past week to deliver messaging directly in local communities.
• A leaflet has been produced and distributed to members of the local community in their homes, in town centres and at test centres. The leaflet reminds people of their responsibility to follow current guidance to keep themselves and others safe and includes information on financial support for those isolating.
• There has been an increase in press coverage including broadcast media coverage. Messaging will continue via local radio stations as well.