How North East areas have been performing on test and trace

New figures have revealed how effective the test and trace system has been in each area of the North East.
Coronavirus cells under the microscopeCoronavirus cells under the microscope
Coronavirus cells under the microscope

Government statistics were collated from the end of May until August 19 and broken down by council area.

In South Tyneside 77 out of 109, or 71%, of close contacts were reached by the tracking system.

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However, performance on transferring people to the contact tracing system was better with 83% of positive cases were sent over to test and trace.

In Sunderland, 179 out of 282, or 63%, of “non-complex close contacts” were reached by the NHS coronavirus tracking system.

Northumberland 241 out of 386, or 62%, of “non-complex close contacts” were reached by the coronavirus tracking system.

However, 83% of positive cases were sent over to test and trace.

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Less than 60% of the close contacts of people testing positive for Covid-19 in Newcastle were tracked down under the UK’s test and trace system.

Figures reveal that 58% of “non-complex close contacts” were identified through the NHS coronavirus tracking system.

Figures showed that 271 out of 464 close contacts were reached via the system in Newcastle during the 12 weeks.

Meanwhile in Gateshead 63% of close contacts were identified through the NHS coronavirus tracking system.

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This means that 96 out of 153 close contacts were reached in the borough via the system.

Again, performance on transferring people to the contact tracing system was higher at 79% of positive cases sent over to test and trace.

County Durham fared slightly better, with 425 out of 640, or 66%, of close contacts reached via the system.

Meanwhile, 84% of positive cases sent over to test and trace.

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In North Tyneside 166 out of 228 close contacts, or 73%, were reached via the system.

Performance on transferring people to the contact tracing system was at 86%.

Performance on transferring people to the contact tracing system was much better – with 92% of positive cases sent over to test and trace.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “In just 13 weeks NHS Test and Trace has tested over four million people for coronavirus and has reached more than 325,000 people who have either tested positive or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive – in order to break the chain of transmission.

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“NHS Test and Trace is working closely with local authorities. Every day local authorities get test, case and contact tracing data, with further data shared with local Directors of Public Health, to help control and manage outbreaks in their area.”

The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to taste or smell.

If you are informed you have been a close contact of someone who has tested positive, health chiefs say you must continue to self-isolate for the full 14 days – even if you have had a negative test.

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