Track and Trace - COVID-19

We now have a greater role in reaching out to residents in the city who have either tested positive for coronavirus or been in contact with someone who has.

Residents who have been identified as "contacts" by someone who has tested positive and not been successfully reached by the national system will be contacted by a member of Preston City Council staff. They will be advised of the need to self-isolate in line with national guidelines.

It's important that you follow the below advice if you're told the NHS or Preston City Council that you've been in contact with a person who has coronavirus (COVID-19).

What to do if you've been in contact with a person who has COVID-19

If you're told you've been in contact with a person who has coronavirus:

• stay at home (self-isolate) for 14 days from the day you were last in contact with the person - it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to appear
• do not leave your home for any reason - if you need food or medicine, order it online or by phone, or ask friends and family to drop it off at your home
• do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family - except for essential care
• try to avoid contact with anyone you live with as much as possible
• people you live with do not need to self-isolate if you do not have symptoms
• people in your support bubble do not need to self-isolate if you do not have symptoms

How we will contact you

If the NHS are unable to make contact with you, we will attempt to contact you by phone. Calls will come from a withheld number.

Should we be unable to reach you by phone we will send a text message and then an email.

Text messages will come from: 'Preston CC'.

Emails will come from: Trackandtrace@preston.gov.uk.

If you cannot be reached by these means a member of staff carrying valid Preston City Council ID badge will carry out a home visit to ensure contact is made. They will also provide information, guidance and support as necessary.

What do I need to do if I am required to self-isolate?

For the latest information on what to do if you are required to self-isolate visit NHS - test and trace if you've been in contact with a person who has coronavirus.

If you are asked to get a test it is important you do so safely and book in advance. Please do not visit one of our drop in test centres, instead please call NHS 119.

Information on self-isolating due to coronavirus and the Test and Trace Support Payment

You may be asked to self-isolate for a number of reasons including a positive test for you, someone in your household, if you've been contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service or whether you are experiencing coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms.

For more information on the importance of self-isolating as well as accessing the Test and Trace Support Payment for people on low income who are required to self-isolate, please visit our self-isolating page.

View information on self-isolating due to coronavirus

Where can I get support while self-isolating?

If you are unable to get support from friends or family our community hub can support you with things like food shopping, delivering prescriptions and many other things. They can also signpost you to other organisations who may be able to help. For more information see Preston Together.

Important, we will never:

• ask for bank details or payments
• ask for details of any other accounts, such as social media
• ask you to set up a password or PIN number over the phone
• ask you to call a premium rate number, such as those starting 09 or 087