What to do when you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace
Testing and tracing is key to combating the spread of coronavirus. NHS Test and Trace will contact you by email, text or phone. If you're told you've been in contact with a person who has coronavirus, follow the NHS Guidance, stay at home for 14 days.
Even if you do not experience symptoms, you need to stay home to protect your community and prevent further spread. Self-isolating is crucial to safely minimising risk and ending lockdown measures.
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.
It will be helpful to plan ahead and think about who you could ask for help to make sure you can stay at home and self-isolate successfully, following the detailed guidance form NHS Test and Trace.
Things to think about
If you are planning ahead, actions you can take before you are asked to self-isolate include:
- familiarising yourself with information and support available online by checking NHS Test and Trace and our Hounslow Support offer
- talking to your neighbours and family and exchanging phone numbers of household contacts
- creating a contact list with phone numbers of neighbours, schools, employer, pharmacist and your GP
- setting up online shopping accounts if possible
- ensuring adequate supplies of any regular medication and other essentials, but do not over-order
- making a plan for those in your home who are vulnerable
- talking to any children or young people in your household as they may be worried about coronavirus.
