‘Test, trace, protect’ campaign to support fight against coronavirus

Health Protection
TTP

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is launching a new mass media campaign today to raise awareness of the symptoms of COVID-19, the importance of testing and the role contact tracing can play in limiting the spread of infection.

This comes as Northern Ireland progresses through the coronavirus recovery plan, with the aim of reminding the public of the important role everyone has to play in minimising the risk of a second wave of infection.              

The campaign will include TV and radio ads, social and digital activity, and outdoor advertising.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I very much welcome the launch of this vital public information campaign. I would encourage everyone to spread the word – to friends and family and on social media. Test, Trace and Protect is an essential part of the battle against COVID-19. It will help keep people safe and protect our health service.

“Everyone has a role to play. That includes getting tested early if you have symptoms, helping contact tracing by providing details of contacts, and self-isolating when required in order to protect others.”

Dr Gerry Waldron, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, explained: “Testing and contact tracing will help break the chain of transmission of this virus. By identifying people who have been in close contact with someone who’s tested positive for coronavirus, and asking them to self-isolate, we can limit the onward spread of the virus, allowing  us to continue moving towards more normal family, working, and social lives. It can help in enabling friends and family to see each other, and schools and businesses can continue to reopen. It will also help to protect our health service from being overwhelmed from a surge in cases.

“However, testing and contact tracing will only work if we all play our part, which is the message we are driving home.”

This means:

  • staying at home and getting tested if we have symptoms;
  • helping with contact tracing;
  • self-isolating when we are advised to, including when we are contacts of a confirmed case – even if we feel well.

Dr Waldron continued: “The campaign will remind everyone that anyone over five years of age in Northern Ireland who has any symptoms of coronavirus – a high temperature; or a new, continuous cough; or a loss of or change in sense of smell or taste – is now eligible for testing.

“Anyone who develops any symptoms of COVID-19 is advised to immediately self-isolate for seven days and to arrange to be tested without delay.”

Testing is free and there are a number of ways a person can get tested:    

  • booking a test online for one of the drive through or mobile testing units located across Northern Ireland;
  • ordering a postal self-test kit online;
  • calling the free phone number 119 if you can’t get online;

You should stay at home while waiting for your test appointment and the result of your test.

The testing programme aims to provide results within 48 hours. If you receive a positive test result you will be contacted by the PHA’s Contact Tracing Service from (028) 9536 8888.

If you do not answer the call the first time, the team will try another four times to get in contact with you – this is because it is really important that we speak to you. The reason for this call is to help us identify anyone you have been in close contact with who may be a risk of getting COVID-19, so we can offer them support and guidance on self-isolation and the need to get tested if they develop symptoms.

Close contacts will be contacted by the team using the same (028) 9536 8888 number. So even if you haven’t been for a test, if you receive a call from this number you should answer it. Successful contact tracing relies on every person in Northern Ireland understanding what to do if they develop symptoms and being prepared to follow the public health advice. It also requires people to provide their phone number when they get a test and to be forthcoming with information on who and where they have been. We will never ask for financial details – the purpose of the call is to help protect your family, friends and wider community members.

In general, when any of us leave the home, it is also important to stay safe and continue to follow public health advice as this will also help reduce the spread of the virus.

  • wash your hands well and often and avoid touching your face;
  • keep your distance from others when outside the home;
  • cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and dispose of the tissue in a bin.

The public information programme will continue as we further develop our testing and contact tracing programme in Northern Ireland to keep people aware of what’s involved and any actions they should take.

For more information on contact tracing, who is a close contact, how to download the NI symptom checker app and how to book a test visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/coronavirus