Contact tracing scheme
‘Test Trace Protect’ is now live in Bridgend County Borough and across the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board region.
We urge all residents and key workers within the area showing symptoms of coronavirus to apply for a test.
The scheme is a key part of Welsh Government’s Covid-19 recovery plan. It helps us to find a way to live and work alongside the virus, while containing its spread.
How the system works
Chief medical officer video transcript (.docx 12KB)
The system works by:
- testing people who have coronavirus symptoms, and asking them to isolate from wider family, friends, co-workers and their community while waiting for a result
- tracing individuals who had close contact with someone that tested positive for coronavirus, while requiring them to take precautions and self-isolate for 10 days
- providing advice and guidance particularly where the person who tested positive or their contacts are vulnerable or at greater risk
- ensuring that if someone tests negative, they can return to work and their normal routines as soon as possible
Read further detail about the contact tracing scheme in this flowchart.
Useful information
We have a range of support available to assist people who are self-isolating. In addition, information on available support will be given to everyone who has to self-isolate due to testing positive for coronavirus.
Protect yourself from scams
Transcript of the anti-scam contact tracing animation featuring ‘Helen’.
Some criminals are using the coronavirus outbreak to scam others. They may pretend to be contact tracers, but by following a few steps, you can protect yourself. Please read this scams information sheet so you can tell the difference between a contact tracer and a scammer.
Guidance for employers and employees
Healthy Working Wales compiles information from the UK government, Welsh Government, Public Health Wales and NHS Direct Wales to signpost businesses to the relevant guidance. It includes sector specific guidance for retail, manufacturing, food and meat packing facilities, sports and recreation, animal businesses, the creative industries, forestry businesses and tourism.
Soon, further sector specific guidance documents will be published on other areas. These will include offices and call centres, construction, staff working in other people’s homes, and using vehicles at work.
General information for employees includes:
- guidance on returning to the workplace and travelling to work
- how to request an isolation note to give to your employer if:
- you have been advised to self-isolate by a contact tracer
- have coronavirus symptoms
- are in a support bubble with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus or live with someone who has symptoms
- pay and loss of earnings
- health and wellbeing advice
- advice on shielding
Additional advice and guidance for employers includes:
- how to communicate the Test Trace Protect strategy, with a toolkit of printable and digital posters, social assets and an explainer video
- the need for enhanced routine cleaning procedures and hygiene at work
- measures that employers can take to help limit the virus’s spread
- assessing the needs of lone workers/employees working from home
- risk assessments on the appropriate level of Personal Protective Equipment
- shielding employees or household members
- how to check if an isolation note is valid
- canteens and rest areas
- grants and funding schemes for businesses
Five key steps to help keep people safe at work
As an increasing number of businesses reopen, employers are being asked to follow five key steps to help keep people safe at work.
The steps, set out by the Welsh Government, are as follows:
- Carry out a Covid-19 risk assessment
- Help staff to work from home whenever possible
- Take action to ensure that 2m physical distancing is maintained between people on your premises, where possible
- Implement other measures to help reduce the risk of being exposed to Covid-19 on your premises, for example, increased cleaning, handwashing and good hygiene procedures
- Actively implement Test, Trace, Protect in the workplace
Find out more about the five key steps to help keep people safe at work.
Guidance for self-employed people
The advice from Welsh Government is to continue working from home if possible. If this is not possible, guidance on Keeping Wales Safe at Work should be used.