Employers in Peterborough reminded to adhere to Test and Trace rules to avoid city lockdown

The city’s top medic has fired off an urgent letter to hundreds of businesses reminding bosses of their new legally enforceable Test and Trace responsibilities.

It comes as concern grows that if Peterborough’s rising number of Covid-19 cases is not quelled, the city, which is already on the Government’s watch list, could be tipped into a local lockdown.

The missive is from Dr Liz Robin, director of public health for Peterborough City, who is concerned that venues offering food and drink, cinemas, sporting venues, hairdressers and barbers shops may not be collecting and recording customers details.

She warns business owners they face a fine if they fail to collect the required information.

The data is used by NHS Test and Trace so if anyone who visits a venue is tested positive for Coronavirus, others at the same venue who may be at risk can be identified and contacted.

Dr Robin said: “Cases of coronavirus are rising in Peterborough and the area remains an area of concern on the Government’s watch list.

“We have so far avoided a local lockdown, but we can only do this if people follow the guidance and take sensible steps to keep themselves and their loved ones, staff and customers safe.

“So, I am urging relevant businesses to support the NHS Test and Trace programme and keep a record of anyone who visits their venue – customers, staff and visitors – for 21 days from the date of a person’s visit, until further notice.

“Please be proactive in seeking this information and don’t simply relying on people providing their information without encouragement.

“By keeping these records, you could prevent the spread of the infection and the Test and Trace service will be more successful in identifying close contacts of people who have been infected.

“We would like to avoid at all costs a situation where a Peterborough business is forced to close due to a significant outbreak, or a local lockdown arrangement is imposed as we have seen happen elsewhere.

“Our businesses can help us to avoid further disruption to all our lives by working with NHS Test and Trace to reduce transmission of the virus.”

The new action comes a week before the Government’s new contact tracing app launches on September 24 which will allow people to scan a QR code when they visit venues to register their attendance.

Businesses are being encouraged to download the poster and display it ahead of the app launch, making it as easy as possible for customers to register their details and for venues to comply with the Test and Trace legislation and GDPR obligations.

Previously venues have only been advised to ask customers for their contact details.

But just days ago the Government announced it would become mandatory from today (September 18) for businesses to record and keep customer contact details.

Businesses that want more details, including what information to collect and how records should be maintained, can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/maintaining-records-of-staff-customers-and-visitors-to-support-nhs-test-and-trace

The Big Conversation: How has your life changed through lockdown? What are your main concerns? The Peterborough Telegraph launches new survey to take a snapshot of your views:

https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/health/coronavirus/big-conversation-how-has-your-life-changed-through-lockdown-pt-launches-new-survey-take-snapshot-your-views-2970500