Test and Protect advice sent out to NHS Grampian households
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NHS Grampian information on the Test and Protect service will be sent out to households in the region from this week.
The health authority is asking people play their role in breaking the chains of transmission as lockdown restrictions slowly change.
It is urging members of the public to be prepared for being asked to isolate.
Under the system, people with symptoms – which include a new, persistent cough, high temperature or loss or change in taste or smell – are being asked to book a test immediately.
Those who test positive will be asked to confidentially provide information to NHS Scotland contact tracers on the people they’ve been in close contact with. Those then contacted will be asked to isolate for 14 days to reduce the risk of the virus spreading, and told how to request a test if symptoms develop during this time.
As well as explaining how Test and Protect works, the leaflet provides information on how families and households can plan for being asked to isolate immediately, and available support.
Susan Webb, NHS Grampian director of public health, said: "Test and Protect plays a vital role in protecting all of us by helping to break the chains of coronavirus transmission and it can only work if everyone plays their part.
"If you suspect you have symptoms, we need you to book a test right away, because the quicker the virus can be identified, the better chance there is of stopping it spreading.
"Please keep the leaflet handy and follow the step-by-step guidance. It’s important to think about the practicalities of you and your household needing to isolate immediately. So please make a plan now.
"Taking these steps, along with physical distancing, good cough and hand hygiene, and wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces, will help keep the virus under control and allow us to continue to emerge from lockdown."
People can book a test at nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or call 0800 028 2816.
Information on additional support when isolating can be found at www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus.
