Test and Trace a Welcome Step Towards New Normal Says Police Commissioner

Published on: 28 May, 2020
Updated on: 29 May, 2020

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro has welcomed the roll-out of the government’s Test and Trace programme in Surrey from today. The county is the only region in the South East where the contact tracing system will be tested, as part of the launch in 11 local authority areas.

Reports in the national media are that there are still some teething problems with the system’s interface with the recently recruited “contact tracers”.

PCC David Munro

The PCC said: “I am proud that residents in Surrey will play a key role in the tracing of Covid-19 both locally and nationally, as part of the gradual but tangible journey to a new normal for everyone. This will enable our communities to feel safer and more confident as the data allows for a more nuanced approach to the virus.

“Until then, it is essential that residents and visitors in Surrey continue to take the necessary steps to protect us all – by maintaining social distancing, avoiding mixing with other households and thinking carefully before travelling to beauty spots or other areas that may be busy.”

Under the new system, anyone with symptoms will be asked to take a coronavirus test. If positive, one of up to 25,000 new NHS contact tracers will contact individuals to help map the potential spread of the virus. The government may then be able to focus more localised restrictions in areas where there is greatest risk.

The Surrey Local Resilience Forum, that includes Surrey Police, the Office of the PCC, the NHS and local authorities, will be supporting the new system as part of the response to Covid-19 across the county.

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