Anglesey residents are being urged to support the efforts of contact tracers in a bid to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and a potential local lockdown.
The urgent call from Anglesey Council comes after the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect (TTP) team were unable to contact several pub dwellers after one customer tested positive for the virus.
Despite being provided with a list of customers who visited the Holyhead pub, many had either left incorrect contact details or their handwriting was illegible. Contact Tracers have so far been left frustrated in attempts to contact them with vital guidance about self-isolating and seeking a test, if symptoms develop.
Anglesey Council’s Chief Executive, Annwen Morgan, said, “This sort of incident is hugely frustrating and hampering the vital work of the TTP team on Anglesey. If they cannot get in touch with people who may have been in contact with this positive case, then they cannot pass on important guidance and information. We then face the possibility of the virus spreading unchecked, widespread community transmission and more Covid-19 deaths, which would be catastrophic.”
“If you’re going to the pub or restaurant – please make sure you leave the correct contact details and that they are clear for all to understand. It’s not difficult and you could ultimately help Anglesey avoid a local lockdown and much more stringent measures; as we’ve seen in a number of other Welsh counties in recent days.”
She added, “We must all take responsibility for our actions and think of the impact they could have on our loved ones and communities. We are also urging those contacted by a contract tracer provide correct information about their own contacts. It could really mean the difference between life and death for someone.”
The majority of customers who attended the pub have been informed and issued with guidance provided by Public Health Wales. They have also been advised to self-isolate for 14 days and remain alert for any symptoms of the virus, including:
- new or continuous cough
- a high temperature or
- a loss of or change to sense of smell or taste
Those advised to self-isolated should book a Coronavirus test if they develop any of these symptoms, even if they are mild:
The Welsh Government’s TTP strategy has introduce extensive contact tracing health surveillance across Wales in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Contact tracing is a long established public health approach to containing the spread of many infections and has proven effective in controlling coronavirus in other countries. Those contacted are advised to self-isolate to stop further spread among family, friends and the community.
More information about Test, Trace, Protect can be found here: https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus
Ends 21.9.20