(CNN) – England will launch a “test and trace” system to track coronavirus aimed at replacing national lockdown restrictions.
“Until an effective treatment or vaccine comes through, how can we get back to doing more of the things that make life worth living without risking safety or putting lives at risk, NHS test and trace is a big part — not the only part — but a big part of the answer to that question,” UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said at a daily government briefing. “NHS test and trace means we can start to replace the national lockdown with individual isolation for those in contact with the virus.”
Northern Ireland has already launched a contact tracing program, and Scotland and Wales are in the process of launching similar system, he said.
England’s contact tracing program will ask anyone with coronavirus symptoms to isolate immediately, get a coronavirus test, and speak with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) on a voluntary basis. Those who test positive for Covid-19 will be contacted by the NHS within 24 hours.
“This will be voluntary at first because we trust everyone to do the right thing. But we can quickly make it mandatory if that’s what it takes. Because if we don’t make this work, then the only way forward is to keep the lockdown,” Hancock said.
He also announced that England is expanding coronavirus testing to children under five years old.
“Of course testing capacity is critical to making this work. We now have the capacity for 161,000 tests a day,” Hancock said. “We are expanding eligibility for testing to include the ‘under fives’ so now every single person who has symptoms of coronavirus can get a test no matter their age.”
“To protect your friends and your family, testing and tracing must become a new way of life,” he said.
This story was first published on CNN.com, “England to launch coronavirus “test and trace” system as lockdown eases”
