Anyone who has a positive coronavirus test result will be contacted by a team of contact tracers and asked for details of everyone they have had close contact with while they have had symptoms.
From Monday 8th June, a new online system will be used to support the process. People will have the option to use the system to provide details of their close contacts electronically.
The system has been trialled in four health board areas over the last two weeks and more than 600 contact tracers have so far been employed, with more to be employed.
Health Minister, Vaughan Gething said “Today’s roll-out of the contact tracing element of our Test, Trace, Protect strategy is a significant step forward in the gradual move out of lockdown.”
“Over the last few months, thanks to the help of the public and the way they have followed the stay-at-home rules, we have managed to slow the spread of the virus to the point where we can today ease the regulations to enable family and friends to meet again.”
“Contact tracing is a tried and tested method of bringing outbreaks of infectious diseases under control and we hope it will do the same with coronavirus – but for it to be successful, we need everyone’s help and cooperation in sharing details about their movements and contacts. We also need people to self-isolate if they may be at risk.”
“The scientific advice is clear – we need a contact tracing system in place before we begin to lift restrictions further.”
Across Wales testing capacity has been increased to support contact tracing and home tests and tests at the drive-through centres for both keyworkers and the public can be booked online.
