Test and Protect is safe says Lochhead
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Moray’s MSP says the public can be reassured by the NHS processes in place for the Test and Protect scheme.
Richard Lochhead states concerns have been raised about the potential for fraudsters to pose as contact tracers.
However the MSP has added the system is safe as long as people remember a few simple points.
Mr Lochhead said: "I understand that people may be worried about the risks of potential phone scams, but the NHS already has a number of protections in place to stop potential fraudsters and ensure all information is kept confidential.
"Contact tracers will introduce themselves, state the reason for their call, and will always identify who they are calling by name.
"They will not ask for information about bank accounts or medical records, and they will not try to sell you anything.
"The contact tracers are supported by software which builds on a tried and trusted platform, allowing teams to identify outbreaks and reduce transmission for high risk groups here in Moray.
"Trace and Protect is one way we will tackle this pandemic, but physical distancing and good hand hygiene continues to play a huge role as minimise the spread of infection."
When contacting individuals who have tested positive, contact tracers will ask people to identify others who they’ve been in close contact with and the places they have been.
That timeframe will be run from 48 hours prior to the onset of their symptoms up until the time they have self-isolated.
The names of those people and places will then be inputted into contact tracing software and used to identify and contact those identified.
The positive individual will not be named by the contact tracer in line with patient confidentiality, unless they agree to have their details disclosed to help the contact tracing process.
It is stated that all the data gathered will be stored securely by NHS Scotland, then safely destroyed as soon as possible after the end of the pandemic.
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