Southend Council has revealed it is now trying to locate 367 people who have been identified as close contacts of people who have tested positive for coronavirus.

The startling number is an increase of 130, from 237 first reported on September 20.

Council bosses have cited “issues” with the track and trace scheme, with a delay in accessing the national data and even people giving wrong details when logging their positive case.

It comes as 60 new cases were confirmed in Southend in the last week, four times the number four weeks ago, and a warning issued by the authority’s public health boss that people are not self-isolating even when asked to. 

The increase in the number of contacts is, of course, linked to a widespread increase in confirmed cases. 

READ MORE: Warning as Southend coronavirus rate quadruples in last four weeks

A team of tracers are currently being trained up to help cut the list.

At the moment, the national track and trace system is reaching about 80 per cent of contacts, and local councils are left to try and pick up the rest.

However, at the moment, councils do not have access to the national data. 

Trevor Harp, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “At the time of writing (Friday 9 October), 367 people are being sought through the national track and trace system, but the figure for people sought changes regularly, so every two or three days we are receiving different figures.

“However, the challenges with tracking these individuals causes some issues. These challenges include the council awaiting access to the national dataset, and also the possibility of people giving incorrect information when logging their details.

Echo:

“We are in the process of training and redeploying a team of 20 council staff and local volunteers to help identify and contact those not reached by the national system. The staff will be able to advise local people of the new law around self-isolation and also provide guidance about the support that may be available to them.”

He added: “It is absolutely essential for everyone to take responsibility for the track and trace system. Government law for self-isolation means more than ever, local people must ensure they are working with us to help us keep the rate of infection in Southend low, as it has been throughout the pandemic.”