Today marks the launch of the NHS ‘Test & Trace’ programme after weeks of development.
But what can you expect and how can you avoid the scammers and fraudsters who will undoubtedly try and use the life-saving scheme for their own benefit?
As from today, the NHS Test and Trace service will now start emailing, phoning and texting people who have been in close contact with anyone who has recently been confirmed as having COVID-19.
A dedicated team of contact tracers will call from 0300 013 500 – so if you see this number on your phone, then you are best advised to answer the call if it is safe to do so.
If you receive a text message from ‘NHS’ then this will also likely be from the team who have been tasked with making contact with the individuals who have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
But it would be best if you remembered that contact tracers will never ask you to make ANY form of payment or purchase.
Contact tracers will NOT, under any circumstances, ask you for any details concerning your bank account or social media accounts.
You will also not be asked for any passwords or PINs, and you will not be asked to download anything.
The aim of the NHS test and trace service is to ensure that anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) can quickly be tested to find out if they have the virus, and also includes targeted asymptomatic testing of NHS and social care staff and care home residents.
The NHS test and trace service helps trace recent close contacts of anyone who tests positive for coronavirus and, if necessary, notifies them that they must self-isolate at home to help stop the spread of the virus.
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